Frank Wright Neal III

TO all of you:
Lewis and I are very sorry to hear about Frank and we wish we could have been at the funeral. All of you are in our prayers.
Love,
Lewis and JoAnn Smith, Thomson, GA

Chris, we are sorry and we are thinking about you and your family.

When I got the news of Frank's death, the memories started churning, and they haven't stopped yet.
Though I hadn't spent time with him in many years, as young boys - and first cousins, only 3 months apart - we were like brothers.

Frank was always the resourceful one.
If something needed makeshift repairs, or improvisational fixing, Frank was the one who could do it.

In some ways we were like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn back then. I would walk from my house on Heard Avenue down to that big (now gone) old house on Walton Way, and we'd begin a busy day of adventures and explorations.

I clearly recall Frank and me lying on our backs in a field somewhere, with straws in our mouths, looking up at cloud formations and trying to visualize what animals and people the clouds resembled.

Even after Big Frank and Bootsie moved the family up to Ohio Avenue, our adventures continued.

The first time I ever rode a motor scooter was with Frank.
He'd get me up early, before dawn, and we'd gather at an old building on Central Avenue, across from the water works, to fold the Chronicles, getting them ready for delivery on Frank's paper route.
I still recall the proper folding technique, as taught to me by Frank.
Then we'd head out to "throw papers" as Frank used to refer to it.
I would borrow David's scooter, while Frank rode his own.
Frank was always patient and helpful.

Even in my 60s, I still ride a little scooter around Nashville at times, and every time I do, my thoughts go back to riding with Frank there in Augusta, more than half a century ago.

Frank was a wonderful cousin and boyhood pal, with a hilarious, understated wit.
We often had long discussions about what we might do in life - and what we might be when we grew up.

Frank became what all the signs pointed to when he was just a boy... a loving, sensitive and resourceful man and father.

My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.
He was a really good guy.

We pray that God will fill the emptiness in your hearts with His Great Love. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Please know that I will be praying for you and your family during this time.
Peggy - Human Resource/SRHS

Dear Sylvia,
I am so saddened to hear of Frank's death. Want you and your dear family to know that I am thinking of you. Please accept my sympathy, love, and caring.
Sara Miller Harper

Brian, your father was a great man and so much fun to be with at the races. I will miss him as I do you and the times we had together at the races.
Love & Prayers,
Mandy Gibson