Ernest Napier

EVANS, Ga. - Mr. Ernest Frank Napier entered into rest on July 5, 2016 at the age of 95. He is survived by his spouse of 67 years, Norma Hudson Napier. Family members include three daughters, Elaine Bilton of Rock Hill, SC, Janice Whitfield (Frank) of Augusta, GA, and Beth Freeman (Butch) of Dublin, GA, four grandchildren, Jennifer Collier, Ashley Spires, Will Freeman, Eric Whitfield and five great grandchildren. Mr. Napier was born near Hephzibah, GA on April 30, 1921 to the late Edward Napier and Clara Bolin Napier. He completed high school in Milton, Delaware and after returning to Augusta, attended Jr. College of Augusta and Georgia School of Technology. He entered the U.S. Army and served from 1942 to 1946. While in the army he also attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. Frank was a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, GA where he served as deacon, training union director, boys Sunday School teacher and served on several committees. He was instrumental in having the church relocated to its current location on Walton Way. In 2013 he was given the honor of becoming Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Augusta Genealogical Society. In March of 1946 Frank became employed by the Georgia and Florida Railroad beginning as a messenger clerk. He then served in various capacities including assistant to the president, General Claims Agent, and served in the tax and insurance department. While he worked for the railroad, he organized and was president of the Employer's Credit Union and served as chairman of the Southeastern Claims Conference of American Railroads. After 24 years with the railroad, he began working for the Home Federal Savings and Loan. While at Home Federal, he held the position of the manager of the mortgage loan department, assistant vice-president and managing officer. He completed a number of courses offered by the Institute of Financial Education. When Home Federal merged with Georgia Federal he was transferred to Atlanta and promoted to Senior Vice-President of Corporate Services. Also while in Atlanta he was a faithful member of Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church and was elected deacon as well as serving on several committees. Frank enjoyed woodworking and made many things for his family and friends. He also enjoyed reading, bridge, playing golf, and especially loved his many friends at Brandon Wilde. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all of the staff at Brandon Wilde for their loving care. A memorial service will be held in the Storey Chapel of First Baptist Church of Augusta on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. Timothy Owings and Reverend Chip Reese officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be George Perkins, Ralph Veal, Malcolm Kling, Tommy Williams, Sidney Foster, Jim Puryear and Howard Sims, the Crusaders Sunday School Class and the deacon body at First Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church's Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. in the atrium of the Storey Chapel. The family suggest that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to, First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30909. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com