Dr. Frank Wesley Kiser

January 25, 1927 - July 11, 2025

Rock Hill, South Carolina - Frank Wesley Kiser passed away on July 11, 2025, after living a full, independent ninety-eight years. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the son of the late William Foster Kiser and Nellie Acuff Kiser. He was raised in Merriam, Kansas. After moving to Lakewood, OH he graduated from Lakewood High School (1945) and enlisted in the US Navy. Following his military service he graduated from the University of Michigan (1950) and then Case Western Reserve School of Medicine (1957). In 1957, with the love of his life Phyllis and his young family, he moved to Rock Hill, SC where his lifelong career as a physician began.

Eagle Scout Frank took seriously that a scout was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. These traits influenced the way he lived his life and his relationships with his family and all he met. His love for the Rock Hill community was lived out in his relationships with his patients, staff and partners. He served Rock Hill's parents, teachers and children as a member of the Rock Hill School Board for twelve years. As a member of Ebenezer and Oakland Avenue Presbyterian churches he served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and elder.

Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He delighted in time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dr. Kiser was predeceased by his wife Phyllis Craft Kiser and his only brother William Foster Kiser, Jr. He is survived by his children: Kathy Emerson (Harry) of Rock Hill, SC; Betsy Strauss (Bill) of Asheville, NC; and Jimmy Kiser (LeAnn) of Taylors, SC; seven granddaughters, twelve great-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00pm at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Jeff Bryan and the Rev. Letarshia C. Robinson will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.

The family is grateful for the kind and caring community at Westminster Towers where Frank lived for the last 12 years. The family also wishes to thank Hospice & Community Care for their support and care in his last days.

Memorials may be made to Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, 421 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29730; or Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald from Jul. 16 to Jul. 18, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Kiser

15 Entries

Jill Olsen

December 3, 2025

I know of no finer man than Dr Kiser. It has been more than 50 years since I have seen him but I clearly remember him and all the wonderful contributions he made to the Rock Hill community and beyond. I remember you, his children, too. Especially Betsy who was my student in French and in the cheer squad when I coached it. Remember your trip to Wisconsin, Betsy, when you chose a monumental blizzard in 1975, that they still talk about today? Snow mobiling and Madame Butterfly? I know this season will be difficult without your dad but everything has a season. He knew that. I hope your hearts sing in celebration of his life well lived and take courage from his example. My deepest sympathy- and yet joy- in knowing him. Love to you all, but especially to Betsy ( thundercloud). Madame (aka Jill Olsen) [email protected].

Jill Olsen

July 28, 2025

Kaiser children: I am sorry to learn about the loss of your father. He was a grand but humble man. He was my physician when I lived in Rock Hill. He was such a leader and anchor as we lived through historical times. Please accept my deepest sympathy and may the many memories you made with him comfort you in the days ahead. With love. Jill Olsen ( aka Mme Greubelat RHHS and NWHS

Sandra Helms Hannon

July 19, 2025

Kathy, I did not know your dad personally. However, I taught you and know that your parents were wonderful people because they did a wonderful job of rearing you. I remember my days of teaching you and your wonderful classmates with joy.

I was Sandra Helms when I taught you.

Jeff Kiser

July 19, 2025

Aunt Phyllis, Kathy, Betsy,Jimmy,
Very sorry to hear about Uncle Frank.
My best to all of you.
Jeff

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Garry Faile

July 18, 2025

Jimmy, Kathy and family. Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Your father always took time to speak to me after games and anytime he saw me. I hope you all find peace and comfort in his passing.
Garry Faile

Carol Funk

July 17, 2025

I worked as an R.N. @ Medical Associates for a number of years. Dr. Kiser was a kind and compassionate physician. It was a privilege to know and work with him. My sympathies to the family. Carol Funk

Jim Johnson

July 17, 2025

I am so sorry to see if Dr. Kaiser's passing - He was genuinely a really kind and nice man, not just a doctor -

Jimmy and Family, my thoughts are with you -

Jim Johnson

Maggie Doswell Ellis

July 17, 2025

Heartfelt condolences to Frank's family. Always a special friend of my Dad, Marshall Doswell, Frank was always smiling and had a quick wit that Dad and I enjoyed. He was a special person who will be missed.

David Wylie Roseboro

July 17, 2025

Thank you God for your son. He was a special man.

Staff at Retina Institute (Dr Farr)

July 17, 2025

We are saddened to hear of Dr Kiser's passing. He had such a positive
presence and will be missed. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Carolyn C Garland

July 16, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering Dr. Kiser fondly. I worked with him in the 80s, and he was a wonderful man. So kind and gentle, he never once lost his patience with the staff or patients. He later became my neighbor at the Lake Club. I have so many fond memories of him.

Betty Robinson

July 15, 2025

I worked as an R. N. for Medical Associates for 12 years, everyone was wonderful and we worked and played together all those years. Social friends and work partners as well. Frank and Phyllis were grand friends. We will miss them. Betty Robinson

Doug Echols

July 15, 2025

Dr Kiser was chair of the Rock Hill school board when I was hired at Northwestern HS to coach and teach in 1971. He was also my personal physician . I will be forever grateful for our relationship.
Doug Echols

Butch Windell

July 14, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dr. Kiser was our family physician and we thought the world of him

Joe Newton

July 14, 2025

I remember Dr. Kiser! He was a good doctor and friend! I worked at Pharmacy near his office from 1967 to 1093! He will be missed!

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