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Franklin McCain Obituary
McCain died of respiratory complications late Thursday, Frank McCain said Friday.
Franklin McCain was one of four students from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro who sat down at the local segregated lunch counter on Feb. 1, 1960. The young men stayed until the store closed, but returned the next day and subsequent days. They were joined by more protesters, whose numbers built to at least 1,000 by the fifth day. Within weeks, sit-ins launched in more than 50 cities in nine states.
"The best feeling of my life," McCain said in a 2010 interview with The Associated Press, was "sitting on that dumb stool."
"I felt so relieved," he added. "I felt so at peace and so self-accepted at that ver y moment. Nothing has ever happened to me since then that topped that good feeling of being clean and fully accepted and feeling proud of me."
McCain, Joseph McNeil, David Richmond and Ezell Blair Jr. (now known as Jibreel Khazan) planned their surprise action carefully. They bought school supplies and toiletries so that their receipts would offer proof that the lunch counter was the only part of the store where racial segregation still ruled.
The Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro was desegregated within six months.
The sit-in led to the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which became the cutting edge of the student direct-action civil rights movement. The demonstrations between 1960 and 1965 helped pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
"To the world, he was a civil rights pioneer who, along with his three classmates, dared to make a difference by starting the sit-in movement," McCain's family sai d in a prepared statement. "To us, he was 'Daddy' - a man who deeply loved his family and cherished his friends."
McCain graduated in 1964, became a research chemist and sales executive. His wife of 48 years, Bettye, died a year ago. He served on his alma mater's board of trustees, then spent four years on the governing board of the 17-campus University of North Carolina system. His term on the public university board ended last year.
Richmond died in 1990. McNeil is 71 and Khazan is 72, said Steffany Reeve, a spokeswoman for the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which occupies the former Woolworth's store.
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Emery Dalesio can be reached at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
123 Entries
Jerry Long
February 12, 2014
HE WAS ONE OF MY HEROS...my Dad an AF COL made sure I knew about what was going on. THIS happened as we were leaving for the Philippines and I followed the civil rights movement intensely from there til I returned in 1963 to be fully active as a "white" boy...worked in student/labor coalition to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Your Dad was one of our great inspirations.
Angeles Ortega
February 3, 2014
On February 1, 1960 when the sitting began, I was not even born. Still, 32 years later, I was a recipient of Mr. McCain's continued fight for democracy. I was so proud and GRATEFUL to have him as one of my campaign supporters. Thank you!!
January 31, 2014
Dear Betty and family, you are in my thoughts and prays. Frank also was ready to assist me with Black History programs in CMS and at WU. I will miss his friendship and kindnesses.
How you can show support
Elitrous Squires
January 20, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the McCain family.
May God continue to bless, comfort and strengthen you.
January 18, 2014
Thank You..
The Ben Worthy Family
January 18, 2014
Your courage open doors for so many of us
Thank You
Bill Harding
January 18, 2014
My condolences and fondest thoughts for the family and friends of Franklin ... he has left a legacy for us to carry and there is still much work to be done in this area.
i worked with Franklin for about ten years with the Celanese Fibers group, where he was a chemist, a tech service rep, and a manager. He had an excellent reputation with our Customers, which is no small accomplishment in the slightly (tic) biased textile industry.
RIP my dear friend and associate
Paula Faulkner
January 18, 2014
Dr. McCain,
You worked very hard to bring righteousness to the multitudes.
I admire you for being a warrior of peace and wish you peace here and in the everlasting.
Carlos Grant
January 18, 2014
Your courage will inspire us now and in the future. Thank you for the sacrifice and shining example of "being the change we want to see."
Min. Evelyn Dove-Coleman
January 18, 2014
Prayers and love to the family of Mr. McCain. His courage opened doors for all of us to enter. May we all, now, hold those doors open for future generations, in Mr. McCain's memory.
Ricky Allison
January 17, 2014
Thank you for everything
Eric Frazier
January 17, 2014
Thank you.
Alvera Mosley
January 17, 2014
Mr. Mccain thanks for paving the way for my generation and generations to come ,in a battle that took guts and fortitude.
Sevone Rhynes
January 17, 2014
Thank you, Mr. McCain.
Nick Mackey
January 17, 2014
May you rest in Peace. Thank you for the courage, bravery, and unselfish giving to, and for, all Blacks!
Fonda Bryant
January 17, 2014
Because of you and countless others, I am able to go in ANY restaurant I want, eat in peace and not worry about being single out due to the color of my skin. What you and others did took courage and love for your fellow man. I will never take what you and others did for granted. May your family find comfort in your memories and love.
January 17, 2014
Thank you for lighting the candle!
The Storyteller's Gospel Show, Margaret W. Caldwell.
pamela powell
January 17, 2014
May you rest in peace. I thank you for the things you did to make blacks have a better chance in life.
Aretta(Hairston) Smith & Family
January 17, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Vicki & Frank Jr.
Willie McCain
January 17, 2014
To Big Daddy's family. Remember the good times and things that he done. He was a good father and he loved people. God needed an angel for a special assignment, so He called Frank for the job. RIP Cousin Franklin. Cousin Willie & Mae McCain. Fayetteville, NC.
Nancy Wiggins
January 17, 2014
Our city, state,country and world are a better place thanks to his presence in our lives. My sincerest condolences to you,the family,for your personal loss.
denise brownfreeport
January 17, 2014
my condolences to the McCain family and aggie family.Mr.Mc Cain will be remembered in Hempstead,N.Y. and the world.
Troy Boovy and Family
January 16, 2014
Great men raise great sons. Remembering all the times we spent together as school children Wendell, and how much you admired your father and now enjoy much success and happiness yourself because of his influence and impact on your life. He was a true gentleman and will never be forgotten. Praying for you and yours during this time of loss.
Jerry and Joy Boovy
January 16, 2014
Wendell and Family,
We were so saddened to hear about your dad. We remember he and your mom as such special people. Your dad had such a strong, wonderful spirit that everyone loved and appreciated. He had a kindness and love for his family that I know has been passed to his children. Give your Mom our love and please know that we are praying for your family during this time. We love you !
Belgie & Eva Laney McClelland
January 16, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 16, 2014
My condolences go out to the McCain family for their loss. Your father was a real pioneer of this 21st century. Keep the legacy he leaves to cherish forever. May God continue to bless you during this difficult time.
Leander Forbes
January 16, 2014
If God was able to speak peace to an angry sea, there is no doubt that he can speak peace to the souls of the McCain family. As an Aggie who followed a path laid out Dr. McCain, I have been blessed to know and befriend his sister, Ishtor. Know that you are in the prayers of the Forbes family—Leander, Debbie, Ishtor and Nathan.
January 16, 2014
"Thank you" is insufficient for your courage and conviction that paved the way for us and so many others...but THANK YOU, Mr. McCain, nevertheless. We will try to not let your work be in vain. To the family: our heartfelt sympathy .
James and Carolyn Wideman
THE SMITH FAMILY
January 16, 2014
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MR.MCAIN YOU MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR MY CHILDREN (3) TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE EACH DAY.
YOU WERE SOMEONE WHO TOUCHED HEARTS, IN A SPECIAL WAY AND IN A UNIQUE WAY ALL OVER THE WORLD.
THANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DID (COURAGE). PLEASE ACCEPT MY FAMILIES CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOSS.
SMITH FAMILY WINSTON SALEM NC
Paulette Haizlip
January 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My God give you strength.
Margaret C. Jones
January 16, 2014
To the family of Mr. McCain: I remember Mr. McCain as a very kind-hearted and compassionate man. I shared a brief membership with him on the N.C. Legal Defense Fund. Also, at least twice, he was my WGSP radio guest (Reach Out Charlotte) during the early nineties. I will always honor and respect the impact that his contributions made on our society. MAY GOD GRANT YOU PEACE.
Patricia Jones
January 16, 2014
America is indebted to this man, as a young man, he involved himself in the civil rights movement and made a difference in the way we live today.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Alexander Funeral Home, Inc.
January 16, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
CHERYL JEFFERSON
January 15, 2014
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY RIP
Valerie Melton
January 14, 2014
My thoughts and prayer's are with you during this time of bereavement. Mr. McCain's work and legacy will be forever in our hearts.... Aggie Pride
"To be absent from the body is to be present with God."
January 14, 2014
To The McCain Family:
We pray that you will find comfort during this time knowing that so many people loved Franklin dearly. His life touched so many and he will be remembered for years to come because he made this world a better place.
Our sincere condolences,
The Buncum Family
Dr. Doris Person
January 14, 2014
In memory of a life well-lived with a purpose fulfilled.
Helen Fritzel
January 14, 2014
Rest in Peace in the joyous presence of our God. May He comfort your family in this time of their sorrow and loss.
anelson watkins
January 14, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family. I was there with frank
During the 60's. You had to be there to fully appreciate
The climate at that time and. I will always remember the
courage and sacrifice he made.
Jan Cooke & family
January 14, 2014
To Frank, Vicki, Taylor, Mac and the entire McCain family, our heartfelt condolences for your loss. To Franklin Senior, I would like to express my gratitude for the courage you and your friends displayed at that counter in 1960. Because of your actions, and the actions of like-minded people, when my children studied civil rights they had a difficult time imagining people being denied service due to the color of their skin. Our world is not perfect, but thanks to determined people who are willing to stand up, or sit down, for what they know is right social change marches forward.
JoAnn
January 14, 2014
Dear McCain family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. May the fond memories and the kind words of loving friends help heal your broken hearts. I pray that God will give each of you the comfort needed to see brighter days ahead.
(Ps 34:17, 18)
January 14, 2014
SINCERE CONDOLENCE TO THE MCCAIN FAMILY,
WE ARE DEFINITELY WAITING FOR THE TIME WHEN MATT.6:10 WILL BE FULFILLED.UNTIL THEN WE WE ALL SHARE THIS HOPE,"HAPPY ARE THOSE HUNGERING AND THRISTING FOR RIGHEOUSNESS,SINCE THEY WILL BE FILLED."........MEBANE N.C.
Shana Ervin
January 14, 2014
Frank and Family, please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of your dad. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yvonne Pettis
January 14, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. We loved him as well for his balanced approach to everything and fairness in judgement. RIP. Yvonne S. Pettis
Richmond
January 14, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your loss, may you be comforted by the love of family and friends and throw all your anxiety upon on God because he cares for you.
January 14, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. (John 6:40)
Philip Penn
January 13, 2014
Our prayers are with you and your family. Mr. McCain will always be remembered as man of principle.
Myra & Vincient Crowder
January 13, 2014
Frank our prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda
January 13, 2014
My family and I are deeply saddened by the recent death of Franklin. I cannot begin to express how inspired I was by reading his obituary and learning of is sacrifice of much to make a difference in the world. I so look forward to the day even all citizens on earth will have to acknowledge "that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." Until then, always remember that Franklin is precious in God's eyes.
Muriel O'Leary
January 13, 2014
To Frank Jr., Wendell and Bert, My thoughts and prayers have always been with each of you...first at the loss of your Mom and now during the loss of your Dad. Your father and mother were very special people, whom I loved dearly. They touched the lives of so many and left an undeniable mark of dignity, grace, respect and knowledge for all that knew them. I thank them both for richly blessing my life with their presence. May they rest in peace together as our earthly angels are now our heavenly angels...continuing to watch over you and all others that loved them. May God give you strength and his love continously embrace you through this difficult time. I love you all.
Kenneth Smith
January 13, 2014
The Smith family sends prayers of peace and comfort to the McCain family during this time. Mr. McCain's bravery and strength in the face of legal and social hostilities helped make this country a better place. May God continue to bless his family and may we honor his legacy of service in our own lives by working to make where we are better places.
Sharon Davis
January 13, 2014
R.I.P. Mr.Franklin McCain im sorry for your lost my prayers are with the family god bless you all
Carlyon Robbins
January 12, 2014
Mr. McCain thanks for the precious memories that will linger forever! Rest In Peace as we remember your mark in HISTORY! !!!
Bill Monroe
January 12, 2014
To the family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to meet Franklin & work with him at the Shelby, NC site. He was fascinating to listen to, so passionate about making things better. I'm really pleased to have had the opportunity to get to spend some time with him. May God bless you and give you peace.
January 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael and Beatrice Evans
Annette Crawley
January 12, 2014
Well done thy good and faithful servant. Now you dwell in the house of the Most High where skin color has never been an issue. Blessing to the family.
G. Freeman
January 12, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 11, 2014
To the family: Saying good-bye must be the hardest thing in the world for you, and words seem like such little things compared to what all of you are going through. With deepest sympathy.
Vickie Glover
January 11, 2014
God bless.
charles shoffner
January 11, 2014
Thank you for all that you had done for us all
Sandra Giles
January 11, 2014
Growing up next door to the McCain family in Kannapolis, N.C., Frank was the brother that my sisters and I never had.
Lord, comfort the McCain family. Comfort those who are grieving Lord.Fill them with the knowledge that you are grieving with them and will carry them through this difficult time.
Amen
Lottie Hayes
January 11, 2014
Heartfelt sympathy for family as we all mourn in the loss of our brother who struggled for human rights, civil rights and dignity. God is our comforter in times of trouble and loss.
Blessings
Lottie G. Hayes
Shelby
January 11, 2014
To the McCain Family,
My deepest sympathy is with you at this time of loss. As we find it helpful to talk about feelings with a trusted friend, how soothing to pour out of feelings to the God who comforts our hearts - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17- as we await this better time recorded at John 11:43-44 when there will be nothing but peace-Psalm 72:7.
Carolyn Graves
January 11, 2014
"Say not in grief that he is no more but say in thankfulness that he was". With deepest sympathy.
Shirley Fountain
January 11, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this most difficult time. May the God of all comfort provide you with the strength needed to cope with your loss.
lynn wheeler
January 11, 2014
Franklin McCain my best friend and hero. He was such an inspiration to me. When we would regularly meet for lunch....Red Robin at NorthLake Mall became his latest favorite....I was almost like a little girl. I couldn't tire of the story of the sit in. " Tell me again, Franklin. Tell me the story again" And repeatedly I would say to him: Do you even comprehend the impact your valiant bravery had on the course of history? " Always humble he didn't seem to be able to agree to that for me.
I met Franklin in the md 80's when we were both member's of the County's Capital Budget Advisory Committee, and we became fast friends, meeting for lunch every two or three months. He instilled in me a real passion and understanding of the Civil Rights movement. He inspired me to take two Civil Rights tours with Julian Bond, each time blogging my experience on qcitymetro.com.
I am heartbroken he is gone as I know thousands of people are. My sweet, humble ,gentle, and inspirational friend, who had more impact on my life and my thinking than almost anyone. I miss you ready, Franklin. God blessed me so abundantly when he drew our paths together..
January 11, 2014
im so sorry for your lost loved one.
Matthew McGuire
January 11, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 11, 2014
To the McCain family
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in the beauitful promise found in God's word that in the future sorrow and even death will be a thing of the past. We will live in beauitful surroundings with nothing to fear. Isaiah 65:17,21-24.
With caring thoughts
January 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the family .
God bless you and the family.
Love, Barbara and Cleveland Morris, Spotsylvania, Va.
Pat Carter
January 11, 2014
My condolences to Mr. McCain's family. I am truly grateful that I had the pleasure to hear him speak some years ago at a National Council of Negro Women Awards Banquet. His message of strength and courage along with his legacy will last forever!
Rabbi Abie Ingber
January 11, 2014
I was privileged to introduce Dr. Franklin McCain to the next generation of student leaders at Xavier University in Cincinnati.The energy of the passing of the baton was palpable. But my fondest memory was joining him in visiting Bettye in her nursing home. I knew then that it was love that had sustained him. My condolences to his entire family. The memory of the righteous is indeed a blessing.
Ardelia H Wilson
January 11, 2014
The world have lost an Icon. He was one who believe and did what was right. He will truly be miss, but his legendary will forever remain in our hearts. MAy God bless the family and see you throught your breavement hours.
Paula Jackson Parks
January 11, 2014
What a Legacy. Rest In Peace.
January 11, 2014
So sorry for your loss.
Robert Moore
January 11, 2014
My prayers go out to the McCain family.
Jane Dowling
January 11, 2014
Thank you, Mr. McCain. God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
W. B.
January 11, 2014
Mr. McCain's story proves that we all have an inherent sense of justice and equality. It's comforting to know that our Creator is impartial. - Acts 10 34, 35. Soon, that will exist earthwide - Ps. 37: 9-11.
N Aaron
January 11, 2014
To the McCain family, it is with my sincere condolence that I leave this message. May God give you all the power beyond normal to cope with the death of your loved one. 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Terry W, Nichols
January 11, 2014
His LIFE, indeed, brought much LIGHT into a world so often carrying the mantle of darkness. Thanks be to God.
January 11, 2014
What a courageous man who pave the way for many of us. I am thankful to Mr. McCain and his Family for sharing him with the rest of us. My heart goes out to the family and those who knew him really well. May you find comfort in Psalms 9:9.
Terry W. Nichols
January 11, 2014
Throughout his distinguished life Dr. McGee best exemplified the qualities of UMBUTU, a rich South African word that can be translated as living one's life with kindness, humanity, compassion, and goodness and approaching life with the firm belief that "I am because you are." Thank you, Franklin, for bequeathing us such a legacy of how best to live peaceably with others in this world. You shall long be remembered.
Hayward Anderson
January 11, 2014
My condolences to the family
Fannie Watermann
January 11, 2014
We have lost a champion who paved the way and opened many doors.
What a privilege to have known such a humble giant.
Richard Lancaster
January 11, 2014
Mr. McCain was a gentlemen who provided good honest straightforward counsel. We will miss him, he was a giant of man with tremendous courage and heart. His Spirit will live forever in memory of the Greensboro Four. Thanks Mr. Franklin McCain
Travis Ziglar
January 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. McCain. Because you sat down, America stood up, because you sat down, barriers were tore down. You helped change the course of history and for that Mr. McCain I say thank you for your service. God bless you.
Patricia Ware
January 11, 2014
My prayers and deepest sympathy go to the entire family and dearest friends of Mr. Franklin McCain on his passing. Thank you for your courage and will in sitting down for us at that lunch counter for all of us that day, that week. It showed the faith that you had in God for your protection during that time. God Bless you and your family for that. We do truly love you for that. You rest in peace.
Frances Jackson
January 10, 2014
I thank God that Mr. McCain and others sat down so that we are able to stand.
I also thank Frank and Vicki for having me in their lives so that I could be blessed to have known Mr. McCain.
My heart aches for this loss, and yet I rejoice in knowing that Mr. McCain's legacy will live on.
A
January 10, 2014
To the McCain family, it is with sadness that I send my condolences for your loss, may you all find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8
Jerome Brown
January 10, 2014
Simply put..thank you Mr. McCain for your courage. Rest well on your new journey.
Anna Young
January 10, 2014
my prayer are with your family I, know you well be missed.thank you for all that you gave.my journey was made a little easy because of you.god know best and he wanted his angle home.god bless the Mccain family know that you are love.Anna Young Belmont,NC
Isaac L. Applewhite jr.
January 10, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the McCain family. I worked many years with Mr. Franklin McCain on the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He was my mentor and my friend. When he spoke, you listen and learned. I will forever cherish the memories.
RT(BOB) NICHOLAS
January 10, 2014
IN SPITE OF HIS INTERNATIONAL NOTORIETY AND FAME, FRANKLIN REMAINED A CARING AND HUMBLE HUMAN BEING' WILLING TO CONVERSE WITH ANYONE APPROACHING HIM. A GIANT HE WAS.
joaquim-r-redeemer barbosa
January 10, 2014
condolences-peace-civil rights
January 10, 2014
I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family on the death of your Father. Few people have achieved the position of respect and high esteem which he enjoyed for so many years. His absence will be felt by many for many years to come. With deepest sympathy. Christine Sheelor Class 1963 G.W. Carver School
Emma Barnhill, age 12,
January 10, 2014
Mr. McCain was a close friend of my grandmothers. And I was blessed to meet him several times. When I was younger, to me, he was just a really nice man. But as I've grown up, I learned that Mr. McCain was not just a really nice man, he was an influential, courageous, kind, caring, incredible man. Whenever I think of Mr. McCain, I just remember when my family and Mr. McCain went out to dinner and the manager asked Mr. McCain to sign the wall of the restaurant, he did. Last summer, my family traveled to Washington DC, we went to the museum of American history and were able to see the counter. It was kind of emotional, and I think it finally dawned on me what a difference he (and the other members of the four) made, they changed the world.
And I met this amazing man. I hugged Mr McCain when I last saw him, and I'm so glad I did.
So, even though he is up with his Heavenly Father now, I want to say,
Mr. McCain, I love you, and thank you for touching my life, and the lives of so many others.
You are missed.
Gwendolyn Davis Kettles
January 10, 2014
We, the Davis sisters (Bettye Davis McCain's 7 sisters) & family extend our deepest sympathy to our nephews and their family. We will sincerely miss Frank. May God continue to guide us and substain us through his holy word.
Constance LaVette Johnson
January 10, 2014
We owe you a debt of gratitude Franklin for your courage and wisdom. You taught me to persevere. I can imagine your glorious crown of service to God. Thank you.
Esly Caldwell, II
January 10, 2014
Frank, You will be missed. We sure had a lot of fun in our youth. Sure proud of his sons.
Your cousin,
Esly Caldwell, II, MD, Cincinnati
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