Born in Newton, North Carolina, Frank Rader was a standout wrestler at Mooresville High, where he was a state champion in 1967 at 180 lbs. He continued his wrestling career at Davidson College from 1967 to 1971, earning a B.A. in History upon graduating in 1971. Initially, Rader pursued a career in education, teaching history and coaching football and wrestling at high schools in Raleigh and Canton from 1972 to 1976.

Rader then joined Smith Barney as a stockbroker, where he enjoyed a successful career in finance. He made the decision to retire early so he could dedicate his time to organizations and institutions that held deep personal meaning to him. Among these were USA Wrestling, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the Boy Scouts of America, the Town of Mooresville, the Mooresville Graded School District, and First Presbyterian Church.

Within USA Wrestling, Frank played a highly active role, holding various significant positions at both national and state levels. Notably, he served as Treasurer and was a member of the Executive Committee, Legislative Committee, Kids/Cadet Council (as Vice-Chairperson), and Southeast Region (as Chair). His exceptional contributions to the sport led to him being named USA Wrestling Man of the Year in 1982 and USA Wrestling Kids/Cadet Person of the Year in 1999. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Frank also served as the assistant competition manager for wrestling at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Similarly, he was a member of the wrestling staff at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. Furthermore, Frank served as Events Director for various major competitions, including the Southeast Regional Championships.

Rader received the prestigious Order of the Golden Heart from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity in 2009 and was inducted into the North Carolina Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004.