Frank T. Lemmon

Frank T. Lemmon, 81, beloved husband, father and friend, died peacefully, Friday, July 24, 2009 at The Pines in Davidson, N.C. He was born in Marion to Alexina Lincoln Lemmon and Frank T. Lemmon. After graduating from Davidson College, he attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. There he met his wife of 57 years, Georgia Powell. After graduating, he served two churches, Rosewood Presbyterian and Gregory Memorial Presbyterian in Eastern Virginia. In 1957, he was called to be the organizing minister of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, where he served for 14 years. He then founded a pastoral counseling practice, also served as supply pastor for Pittsboro Presbyterian and Mount Pleasant Presbyterian churches. During Frank and Georgia's later years in Raleigh, their church home was W. Raleigh Presbyterian. The couple moved to Davidson in 2000. He was a kind and affirming man who found the good in everyone he met. He loved life. Even in his last years of declining health, if anyone would ask how he was, he'd reply, "Fine as frog hairs split down the middle." He fell madly in love with Georgia the moment he met her and his love for her never wavered. He showed his love for his three children by the joyful times he spent with them. His warmth, playful spirit and loyalty helped him to form deep and abiding friendships. He served for many years on the board of the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center in Raleigh, named in memory of his third child, who had Down syndrome. He helped with fundraising and acted as mentor and cheerleader to the school's staff. Survivors include his wife, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Rosa Lemmon; son and daughter-in-law, John and Susan Lemmon; daughter, Laura Thise; grandchildren, Scott Lemmon and wife, Monica, Nick Lemmon, Olivia Moulton and husband, Richard; and great-granddaughter, Claire Moulton. A memorial service was conducted in the Lingle Chapel at Davidson College Presbyterian Church in Davidson on Tuesday, July 28, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Tiemann presiding. A reception followed the service. Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 29, at 12:30 p.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Marion with the Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. The family requests that donations be made to the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, c/o Frankie Lemmon Foundation, 2301 Stonehenge Drive, Suite 102, Raleigh, N.C. 27615. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.