William Luke Frank Sr

Dr. William L. Frank (Bill) 88, of Rice, Virginia entered eternal rest after a long illness on Tuesday March 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregiver. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Angeline Webb Frank; son, Bill Jr (Kristi), grandchildren, Anthony Frank, Trisha Jennings (Kirk) and Joseph Frank; Daughters, Ellen Spencer (Jeff), grandchildren, Zachariah & Elijah Ranson ; and Tracey Jarrett (David), grandchildren, Savanna Mitchell, and Luke and Josh Jarrett. He is also survived by 3 great- grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved dogs, Connie and Chloe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Joseph Frank and Helen Luff Frank, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Bill was born on August 16, 1929, in The Bronx, New York. He was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School and was a veteran of The United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi and received his Ph. D. from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
Dr. Frank published in professional journals and edited works on William Hoffman. He published a book on Sherwood Bonner McDowell and edited her short stories. He was chairman of the English department at Longwood when the Dos Passos award was created, leading to numerous presentations to deserving authors. Bill and his wife, Angie, established the Frankl/Webb Scholarship which is awarded to single parents or a deserving English major at Longwood University.
Dr. Frank retired from Longwood College as Dean of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Professor of English, having taught American Literature there. He leaves a legacy of numerous students whom he taught at Delta State College, Cleveland MS; Southeast Missouri , Cape Girardeau, MO; as well as Longwood College, Farmville, VA.
Bill was very active in his community having been a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church for almost 50 years where he taught Sunday school and was Eucharistic Minister. He was also a past president of Wedgewood Country Club and Rotary Club of Farmville and volunteered as a sustaining member of The Boy Scouts of America, Robert E. Lee Council. He volunteered for the St. Theresa Food Panty and served on numerous committees, clubs and organizations. He was a mentor to many colleagues and associates.

Visitation will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church Farmville, from 9-11 AM on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at the church at 11AM with reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Burial will be at Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia Courthouse, Virginia.
The family wishes to thank the compassionate members of his Hospice of Virginia care team, Debbie, his nurses, and his personal caregiver & friend, Tracey Fowlkes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church, The Frank/Webb Scholarship Fund at Longwood University, SmileTrain.org, or a charity of your choice.
Puckett Funeral Home is serving the Family.