Frank Vego

Frank Vego

Who was Frank Vego?

When entering Northcrest via the north entrance to Regalwoods Dr, the first thing one sees is the lovely Northcrest sign dividing the entry and exist lanes. The second are the brick entry posts to either side of the driveway to the first house (3563 Regalwoods Dr) – if one isn’t paying attention (or maybe a little intoxicated), those posts are an easy target (and have been hit by inbound traffic on more than one occasion). It’s especially easy to become distracted by the oriental-fantasy-wonderland of the house behind the driveway, the house customized by Frank Vego.

Frank Vego was a WW2 pilot and survived two plane crashes before becoming the proprietor of Frank Vego Ford on Buford Hwy and becoming friends with Howard Hardrath and Paul Edwards. He maintained many radio and TV ads with his tag line: "AAwwayy Ve-go!!"  which is both fondly remembered (and sometimes less so) by local residents. At one time during his 50 year career Frank Vego Ford was the world’s largest Thurnderbird dealer and also the original sponsor of  Hubert Platt and his 1964 Ford Thunderbolt "Georgia Shaker".  The Vego Ford logo can be found on the car and remains on the die-cast and plastic model-kit renditions of the “Georgia Shaker”

The Georgia Shaker

In  1965 Warren Field was developed for Pop Warner Football and Little League team play.  It was renamed Vego Field in 1966 after Frank Vego donated additional acreage – Frank worked with Johnny Unitas and was instrumental in starting Pop Warner Football in Georgia.  The 24 ½ acre park was later renamed Pleasantdale Park and managed by Dekalb county. The park includes a press box built by P&H Builders. Northcrest residents raised money to put in the walking trails and pay for playground equipment.  It's currently called Pleasantdale Park.

Atlanta Speedshop Dragway - 1963 Dyno Don Nicholson - Phil Bonner

Frank Vego's Obituary

VEGO, Frank Frank Vego, age 89, of Atlanta Georgia passed away on Saturday January 5, 2013. He was the loving, caring husband of Marcia Toye Vego for 22 years. He is survived by Marcy, his children, Salley Keeling of Hesperia CA, R. Covington Vego, Michael Vego and Gregory Vego all of Salem OR, Oscar Vego and John Vego of Memphis TN, Velena Vego of Athens GA and Vanessa Vego Dolak of Prague Czech Republic, as well as nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank was born in Little Rock AK and raised in Memphis TN. 

As a pilot in the US Air Force, he survived two plane crashes. His business career spanned nearly 50 years and includ-ed Vice President with Ford Motor Company and Owner/Operator of Frank Vego Ford where he was the world's biggest Thunderbird dealer. Frank enjoyed seeing the success of the many individuals he helped and mentored during his life. In addition to his many charitable works, Frank donated property to Dekalb County currently known as Pleasantdale Park. 

Along with Johnny Unitas, Frank was instrumental in starting Pop Warner Football. A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday January 26, 2013 from 2- 4:00 pm at the Buckhead Theater located at 3110 Roswell Road Atlanta GA 30305. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in Frank's name, are appreciated.

Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 19, 2013
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?pid=162448278#sthash.9jz3OVgy.dpuf

The Georgia Shaker - AAwwayy Ve-go!

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