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Frank Jernigan Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
FRANK BELL JERNIGAN, SR. Frank Bell Jernigan, Sr., native Atlantan, passed away on July 23, 2007, one week before his 81st birthday. He was born on July 30, 1926 to Leura Bell and Allen O. Jernigan. Mr. Jernigan is survived by his wife, Maryann Walker Jernigan, his two daughters, Anne Jernigan Velez and Audrey Jernigan, and his two sons, Frank Jernigan, Jr. and Walker Jernigan. He is also survived by his two older brothers, Rev. Allen O. and James F. Jernigan, their wives and numerous other family members: cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Jernigan was a graduate of Boys High in Atlanta, served in the Naval Air Force during WWII, and received undergraduate and Master's degrees at Emory University and an EdS degree at Georgia State. He was a committed educator, serving first as a teacher and coach (baseball, football, and wrestling) in the Atlanta School System and subsequently becoming the youngest man to be made principal when he accepted the post at O'Keefe High, continuing later as principal at Birney Elementary and North Fulton High. He was active in educational organizations at the state and local level, serving in leadership positions in professional associations and as a member and then chairman of the Dekalb County Board of Education. In the early 1970's he became the Director of Recreational Services at Georgia State University. As he had done with the introduction of the "Upstream" program in the Atlanta City Schools (an outdoor program patterned after Outward Bound), Mr. Jernigan was able to share his love of outdoor adventure with college students with the development of Georgia State's "Touch the Earth" program. "Touch the Earth" put urban students on whitewater rivers, on mountain trails, etc. where he encouraged them to strive and grow, to be their best. "Pierce of cake!" he'd shout as he plunged forward to meet new challenges himself. He embraced life and those he met with arms wide open, touching many with his zest for living life to its fullest. He was always ready with a mischievous grin, a wink, and a funny story. A highly completive, gifted athlete, he was inducted into Emory University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Mr. Jernigan also had a meaningful spiritual life. He was baptized in and was a member of Druid Hills Methodist Church for many years and served actively there; including Lay Leader, Sunday School teacher, and Scout Master. He most recently attended St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church where a memorial service will be held on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 4:00 PM. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to Emory University, In memory of Frank Jernigan, and sent to: Emory University; Alumnini and Development Records; 1762 Clifton Rd, Plaza 1000; Atlanta, GA 30322.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Jernigan
Lola Nichols
August 2, 2007
Anne,
We were sorry to hear about the recent loss of your father. Our sympathies go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lola
Suzanne Spence Joyce NFHS 62
July 31, 2007
Coach Jernigan walked the halls of North Fulton, stopping to speak to students, compliment them, or just saying "hello". Often, I would hear him ask a student to come see him. This might not be a student in his classes, or a football player, but someone that he had heard needed some encouragement, a "talking to", or just someone that needed to know that Coach Jernigan was available to them. His smile and blue eyes, and that distinctive laugh would put anyone at ease. He will be missed.
Martha Church
July 30, 2007
I not only had Coach Jernigan as my homeroom (D-3) teacher my junior year at North Fulton, I was also fortunate enough to have him as my principal when I taught at O'Keefe. One of my fonder memories was when he came in the classroom to observe and managed to overlook our unofficial mascot - a puppy - who came to school for several months with my team teacher. I am sad that he is gone.
Katie Schane
July 29, 2007
Dear Maryann,
I was deeply saddened to read of Frank's death. I have so many wonderful memories of him during his years at GSU. He did such a spectacular job as head of Recreation-especially the Touch the Earth program. He was a wonderful influence on so many people. May God bless you at this time of grief.
Katie Schane, Dept. of KH, GSU, retired
Louie Sulcer
July 29, 2007
I attended North Fulton High 1953 thru 1957 & was very fortunate to have played football 54-57 under "Head Coach" Frank Jernigan! "Coach" was was a very straight-forwarded person, with whom I respected & seeked council & recommendations as to teaching/coaching upon returning from the Navy. He was in charge of all of Ga. State Univ. recreation facilities/assets at that time. He forwarded my resume & talked to a number of his connections. He & I had more than several occassions to discuss everything from the "Old" days to what was going on at the time, especially at Georgia State Univ., from which I had graduated & he was then employed. As I said, "Coach" J. was very straight forward, tell-it-like-it-is & often blunt. However, over the years I learned to respect, listen to & understand his type of rhetoric. Obviously, Frank Jernigan had occasion to touch many, many lives positively in his many endevours and he will certainly be remembered by these many people.
Jim Phillips
July 28, 2007
Coach Jernigan was very adept at working with young folks whether in the classroom or on the ball field. I particularly enjoyed playing B-team baseball for him my freshman or sophomore year and being a student in his American History class. I pitched erratically to say the least and Coach had a great way of calming me down when I got in jams. He also made history come alive and was one of the two or three best teachers I had at NF (52-57). I didn't play much varsity football but appreciated his efforts to get us scrubs into games when the issue had been decided. My brother had the pleasure of getting to know Coach really well when both were at Georgia State in the 70s and we will both miss him very much.
Talk show guys and other commentators throw the term "Great American" around too loosely. But Frank Jernigan was truly a great American.
Kent Bishop
July 28, 2007
Frank Jernigan became head football coach at NF in 1953/54 when Jack Griffin returned to Ga. Tech to coach. Frank’s staff was comprised of former college football players: Coaches Hartness (Furman), Loftin (Auburn), Maupin (UGA) (B-team), and Fussell (forgot) (C-team). He molded an excellent offense and good teams. He inspired us to play our best. The 1957 team went 6-4, but previous and later teams had better records.
As a note to other NF grads, Joe Cheshire was also at Frank's memorial service. He was NF counselor in the 1950’s. He said he’s had some health problems and was graduated from high school in 1942.
Mary Ellen (Condrey) Nabors
July 27, 2007
Not only was Coach Jernigan my 8th grade geography teacher and the coach throughout my years at NF, he coached my younger brother. Tommy became the most improved player and the starting quarterback his senior year thanks to the encouragement and coaching ability of Coach Jernigan. He was well loved at North Fulton and my entire family was touched by his teaching and his coaching and caring friendship.
Ann Morris Fulton
July 27, 2007
I was in his history class at North Fulton in 1956 or 1957 I knew his brother James at Peachtree Meth. Frank was a great man and he will be missed, He was a great teacher, Keep your chen up
Connie Peebles Propes
July 27, 2007
The funeral was today. What a tribute to our Coach Jernigan with North Fulton students from classes of 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1961. Coach Jim Lofton was there as were friends, family and buddies from his past. It was an inspiring service and one that made you proud to have been a student, associate, ballplayer or simple friend of this very caring man. Coach made many memories for us and that is what life is all about....memories.
Connie Peebles Propes - NF Class of 1959.
DAVID CLIFFORD
July 27, 2007
I transfered to North Fulton in 1955 [my Junior year]- I was fortunate to be assigned to "Coach's" homeroom. What a pleasure - he will be missed!
Ann Coleman Liles
July 27, 2007
I was a student at North Fulton HS while Coach Jernigan was the football coach. He was always friendly and thoughtful with the students. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Carol (Dell) Grant
July 27, 2007
To the Jernigan Family,
I was a student at O'Keefe High in 1968 while Mr. Jernigan was the principal; he was a fair and just man, always willing to listen.
May you find peace during your lost of your loved one.
Jim Ogburn
July 27, 2007
I attended Druid Hills Methodist Church with the Jernigans in the early 70's. I remember them as very supportive and positive roll models for the youth in our church. I pray that you will find comfort in God's loving people and that you may look to Him for your strenght during this difficult time. May God Bless you all.
Jeanne Bond Knox
July 27, 2007
We were neighbors on Willivee. As a student at Druid Hills I was in awe of the North Fulton Coach. He would park his old 'football' car on the hill across from our driveway so he could roll down the hill to start it. I had the honor of being Anne's primary babysitter.
I have a picture of her at my wedding wearing her 'wedding dress'. He was always interested in what I was doing in high school and college. A truly nice guy to all who knew him.
Jeanne Bond Knox
Kathy McDaniel
July 27, 2007
I came to O'keefe High School in 1970 and Mr. Jernigan made me feel right at home. He will be deeply missed by all. My prayers are with his family.
Jack Russell
July 27, 2007
My best to the Family & Friends during this time of celabration
of a true Christian Gentlemans life.
I am a 1965 graduate of O'keefe.
I was called to the Principals..
only one time in my life. I wondered
what I had done...to deserve the call,
to my relief..it was for winning the
Atlanta safe driving roadeo contest.
We had won over North Fulton, his
former school..He told me that made
him especially proud of me for the accomplishment.
I have always rememered him, and
an so PROUD to have known him,
and honored to have called him
MY PRINCIPAL.
May our Loving God Bless you All,
Jack Russell, Griffin, Ga
Jim Pond
July 27, 2007
Frank Jernigan was perhaps the most positive influence in my life. He was a great coach, a talented educator, and an exceptional motivator, providing consistent, positive direction at every possible opportunity. Because of him, I am a better person and the world is a better place.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jim Pond, NF class of '62
Bill Blohm
July 27, 2007
Mr. Jernigan is a kind and gentle man. He faced a rather difficult time in the late 60's and early 70's as we students were transferred and moved for equality sake. He lead by example and helped calm us with his demeanor, patience and love for us. These qualities that he exemplified continue and this keeps Frank alive. Thanks, Mr. Jernigan for being there for me.
Dave & Andria Duff
July 26, 2007
We sure will miss Frank but he will be watching Walker play soccer from the best seat in the house.
Jimmy & Jeannine Shaw
July 26, 2007
I played against coach Jernigan's North Fulton teams while attending O'Keefe High School in the 50's. He was always a gentleman win or lose. His teams were hard to beat and were always prepared. We have lost a good man!
Robert S Duggan, Jr.
July 26, 2007
Our condolences to our former neighbors, the Jernigans. Frank was well liked on Mason Woods. His contributions to his community were many.
Bob and Kathleen Duggan
Denise Ritchie
July 26, 2007
Love and prayers to this wonderful family! We will miss Frank!
Denise, Mark & Pat
Bob Eskew
July 26, 2007
Sorry to lose a friend through our mutual athletic and Boys' High alumni activities. His character made all of us who knew him proud of our association. He will certainly be missed.
Eugene Rhodes
July 26, 2007
How sad this morning to read of the passing of one of my BHS 44 classmates. Just a few days ago another of our class was laid to rest in Decatur. We are becoming too few, but I suppose that was inevitable, as we have become old men. Frank left the world a better place than when he arrived on the scene. For those who teach are a special breed. May God bless the family and all others who mourn his passing.
Jean (McCoy) Leach
July 26, 2007
My sister and I were students at O'Keefe in the '70's. I remember Mr. Jernigan as always having a smile on his face and kind words for everyone. He will be missed.
Karen Vohman
July 26, 2007
History class with Frank Jernigan was one of the highlights of my years at North Fulton High School in the 50's.
He was a wonderful, inspiring teacher.I am grateful to have known him.
Jim Luckett
July 26, 2007
As a scared kid who transferred to Atlanta's O'Keefe High in the mid sixties, my dad and I met with Mr. Jernigan in his office. He made me feel comfortable right off the bat. I remember him as a man who was always willing to listen to his students. He lived a full life.
Burnett Hull
July 26, 2007
I was one of Frank Jernigan's students and ball players at North Fulton back in the '50's. He had as much of an impact on my life as any person outside of my parents. I'm sure there are many other kids of my generation who could say the same thing. I'll always be grateful.
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