Frank Halison III

Frank Halison, III, well known as the "Master Storyteller" and "King Hotdog" departed on August 10th 2016 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA.

Frank was born on December 16, 1941 to the late Frank and Bessie Branch Halison of Portsmouth, Virginia. The Portsmouth Native was educated at North Truxton Elementary and was a February 1960 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Portsmouth, Virginia, where Frank was class president. Frank matriculated to Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. Frank majored in English Education.

As a child Frank attended Third Baptist Church of Portsmouth, VA.; and as a teenager was invited to speak at numerous church youth programs. The title of his speech was "Just Keep A Going".
Realizing that radio announcing was his passion, he became a prolific radio announcer, known as "King Hot Dog" at WRAP and WHIH located in Portsmouth, Virginia. Frank was extremely successful and also worked in various radio markets throughout the United States, i.e., Richmond, VA; Houston, Texas; Washington, D.C., Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Los Angeles, California; Maryland and North Carolina.

Frank was gifted in skillfully taking a radio station that was low in ratings to number one. In various capacities, besides announcer Frank was also program director at various radio stations, and promoter for a litany of record companies.

As "King Hot Dog/Master Story Teller" he was known for picking up passengers on the "Train". He was great at providing stories to the passengers that he picked up. He instilled life experiences that provided great entertainment to his listeners, that propelled him to icon status.

As "Master Story Teller" Frank worked at WOWI-FM and WPCE-1400 owned by Bishop Willis. Earlier in his life Frank along with three other friends Herman Wiggins, Wilbert Morrison, Edwin Crocker were certified as the first Black Eagle Scouts in the State of Virginia. This certification and accomplishment broke some of the racial divide that plagued Virginia during that era.

Frank is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Bessie Halison, wife Andrea Halison and nephew Damon Halison.

Frank leaves behind, a son, Marc Payne of Nashville, TN, 2 sons Frank and Stephen Holmes formerly of Norfolk, Virginia, a daughter, Charisma O'Bryant of Houston, Texas, Sister Norma Halison of Allentown, PA, Brothers Marvin Halison (Barbara), of Columbus, Ohio; Michael Halison (Julia) of Richmond, Virginia, Sisters Denise Halison of Newport News, VA, Sylvia Halison of Allentown, PA, Mellicent Halison of Portsmouth, VA., and a long time devoted friend and caregiver Bessie Hunter, grand children, great grand children, and a hosts of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Also, long time friend, long time special friend Dirie Payne Harris, long time friend and caregiver, Al Hunley, caregiver and friend Robert Lacewell, care givers and friends Melissa Thomas and Kenneth Wright and family of Allentown, PA, long time friends and fellow radio announcers Chester Benton and Frankie Stewart (Soul Ranger) of Portsmouth, VA. Frank further leaves behind the group the "The Showman"; his love to his faithful friends and dedicated audience who continuously rode the "Train".

At the Memorial/Celebration, Frank will be eulogized by Rev. Joseph A. Fleming of Third Baptist Church of Portsmouth, Virginia.

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