Bishop Frank E. Fanniel, Sr., a third generation member of the Church of God in Christ, is a native of Crockett, Texas where he was the eighth child of his parents Deacon Grover and Mother Callie Fanniel. At the early age of twelve years old, Bishop Fanniel was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. He was licensed under the late Bishop F.L. Haynes and ordained by the late Bishop C. H. Nelson.

From 1964-1968, Bishop Fanniel served as the assistant pastor and the YPWW President at Light House Church of God in Christ under Pastor C.B. Perry. Being a man with a God-given mission, after four years, he organized The Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ where he has served as the Senior. Pastor for over forty-five years.

In 1982, he was appointed District Superintendent of the Sunnyside District by Bishop N.H. Henderson. He also served on the Board of Directors in the Texas South Central Jurisdiction.

Bishop Fanniel was instrumental in the organizing of the Texas Central Metropolitan Jurisdiction, where Bishop Hewitt Richardson Sr. presided and Doctor Gladys L. Ross is Supervisor of Women. He has served as the Chairman of the Superintendent’s Board, member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Hewitt Richardson, Sr.

In April 2015, Bishop Fanniel was appointed by the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. and approved by the General Assembly, as the Jurisdictional Prelate of Texas Central Metropolitan Jurisdiction. In November 2015, Bishop Fanniel was consecrated during the Holy Convocation in St. Louis, Missouri.

He received his secondary education from Centergrove High School, Lovelady, Texas where he was the salutatorian. He continued his education at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas where he studied Sociology and Psychology.

Not only is Bishop Fanniel known as a man of character, integrity, and wisdom but as a visionary and builder. Over his years in the ministry, he has built two church edifices, with a seating capacity of over 1100, and a multi-purpose venue. He is a veteran that served in the US Army and received an honorable discharge after completing the required years of service. He served on the Ministers Alliance, a member of the NAACP, and in 2011 he received the Outstanding Leadership Award at Prairie View A&M University.

Bishop Fanniel is married to Alma J. Fanniel. They are the parents of 4 children, who are all active in the church; Lanell R. Fanniel (Minister of Music), Frank Fanniel II (Church Facility Director), Prettice (Sylvia) Fanniel (Youth Director), and Elder Michael (Pamela) Fanniel (Executive Pastor). They also have seven grandchildren. Bishop Fanniel is a respected preacher, teacher, a beloved friend and mentor to many.