Frank Thierry was a 1971 Kashmere High School honor graduate and standout student-athlete. His football career started at I. M. Terrell Junior High where he was selected to the All City Football Team as a linebacker. After entering Kashmere in 1969, he became a 3 year letterman, two years under the tutorship of Coach Billie Matthews and played senior year for Coach Johnny B. Felder. Frank was a member of the National Honor Society, Library Club and graduated in top percentile of senior class. He was a member of the 1969-70 team that was crowned city and regional champs, 10-0 regular season and 12-1 overall. This was Kashmere’s first undefeated regular season and arguably Billie Matthews best team. His senior season Kashmere football team had an 8-3 record, and Frank made first team 19-4A All-District.
Frank accepted a full scholarship to Hampton University (formerly Hampton Institute) in Hampton, Virginia. After 2 years at Hampton his football career was cut short after he was drafted into the United States Army where he served for 4 years. After the military he earned an associate’s degree from HCC. Frank was affectionately called “John Wayne” by friends. Family called him “Jr.” He was raised in the Catholic Faith and worshiped at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, in the Fifth Ward area of Houston, Texas.
He married his high school sweetheart, Claudette Jackson; they had one child, Shatekia Thierry. At the time of his passing from pancreatic cancer in 2014, Frank had 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He loved riding horses, dancing, spending time with family, and working with Kashmere, Class of 1971 Reunions and was a faithful Kashmere Former Athletes Association member. He had a big heart for family and friends. We have fond memories of our “John Wayne and “Jr. May his soul rest in peace.
