Frank Nunley Obituary
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Frank was a devoted father to three sons, Frankie, Jimmy, and Chuck and a loving husband to Lynn for 56 years. He was also a proud grandfather to John, Lyndsay, Jimmy Jr, Joey, Charlotte and Catherine, who will forever cherish his memory. Frank also leaves behind his sister Margaret, Aunt Mildred, three nieces and one nephew and numerous cousins.
A standout athlete from a young age, Frank graduated from the University of Michigan in 1967. He played linebacker for the Wolverines, and his leadership and talent on the field led the team to victory in the 1965 Rose Bowl. Frank was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor in 1989. He went on to play ten years in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. Nicknamed the "Fudge Hammer", Frank was known for his sweet demeanor off the field and his powerful, hard-hitting presence on it. His legacy in the NFL is remembered by many, not just for his athletic prowess but for the kindness and camaraderie he shared with teammates and fans alike.
After Frank retired from the NFL he worked as a Sales Rep in the Tech industry, eventually founding his own Sales Rep Firm. Frank brought his great passion from the football field and was met with great success, making many lifelong friends along the way. He had the opportunity to work alongside two of his sons while the third son chose the medical field and became a surgeon. Despite his busy work schedule, Frank was very passionate about giving back to charity. He was a very active participant in the Caring For Kids charity run by the NFL alumni, raising over three million dollars to the benefit of thousands of kids across the Bay Area. Frank retired from his second career after 35 plus years.
Frank Hembrey Nunley II's legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. His memory will forever be cherished, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dona May Laskey
October 28, 2024
Having just attended the 60th Reunion of the University of Michigan 1964 Rosebowl Team in Ann Arbor I learned of Frank´s passing. So many of that great team are gone. There was much love and pride among the members of that team. It is good to think of them huddling once again in heaven. Bill would be so glad to see Frank.
Gary Artist
September 26, 2024
My brother Brian and I worked for Frank when he was the Owner of TREAT fitness center in the 80s. I started playing college football and was really struggling, thinking about quitting. Frank took the time and asked me how it was going and told him, "not good." He hammered in my head, it wasn´t lack of ability, just experience. If you keep at it, I guarantee it will get better. Every week or so he´d check in with me. So, I kept going everyday. I ended up playing all 4 years of college and earning a scholarship, starting most of the time. I think a lot about those conversations. RIP Frank
Katherine Frey
September 18, 2024
Great times at charity events. Thank you Frank and Lynn
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Edwina Feeney
August 17, 2024
Frank made me feel like his best friend and I know he had at least 1,000 more.
I am so fortunate to spend time with him and his family. Frank was fun! Oh my, the crazy times we had in California, Oregon and visiting National Parks....Imagine being in the car with Frank and Lynn on long road trips :-) He loved singing, dancing to "The Oldies but Goodies" and wow, could that guy sing! He was wonderful to my kids and grandkids encouraging them in their sport and tidbits of life advice. Such as to my oldest granddaughter who lived with them for a summer intership: "If you want to find a husband, go to the gym and when you are interviewing "look them in the eyes". We still chuckle about so many Frankism's. He was kind, caring, gracious and mixed a great gin and tonic. I will always miss him. I'm sure the angels are having a blast with Frank's fun and he's watching over us. Miss my buddy xoxo Edwina, but "Ed" too Frank.
Doug Wissmueller
August 3, 2024
While I did not know Frank on a personal level, I have a very vivid memory of one of the highlights growing up in Belleville Michigan. Frank, then known as "Tink" was a star pitcher in the Belleville Little League. He was a very imposing young man at at least 6 foot tall as a 12 year old. He was a submarine style pitcher and could really let it go! As a 10 year old, I remember 67 years ago, when I stuck out my bat and doubled off Tink Nunley! What a thrill for me. As I followed Tink's career through college and pros, my things always came back to my big hit! RIP Tink!
Dennis Jones
July 30, 2024
Frank was a teammate at Michigan, i am truly sorry four your loss, Frank was a good man.
Mike Vuocolo
July 27, 2024
I got the chance to spend some time with Frank at the first reunion . Before that I enjoyed watching him play at Michigan and in the pros . He was one of the toughest linebackers to play the game . Not sure who those other guys are standing with Frank and me !!
Brian Patchen
July 26, 2024
Frank combined a truly kind and sweet disposition with a fierce determination and destructive force on the football field. He was the very definition of a "teammate" and always gave his best. Off the field, he was a loyal, considerate friend who greeted everyone with a smile. Our great team is now slowly passing into history and Frank was one of the cornerstones. May he smile among God's angels.
Jerry Mader
July 26, 2024
Frank was an exceptional person: he was very enthusiastic and friendly. I knew Frank as a teammate on our 1964 Championship Team. Frank's outgoing personality and dedication were a positive influence on our team. We lived in Los Altos near Lynn and Frank for several years and I always enjoyed seeing them. I'm grateful to have known such a great guy. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Blessings, Jerry Mader
Photo: Dave Butler, Jerry Mader, Brian Patchen
Robert W Mielke
July 26, 2024
I have so many memories of Frank while playing defensive right guard in front of him in the 64 and 65 seasons. I recall Frank splitting open helmets because he hit so hard. He was my friend and will always be remembered in my heart. Frank, Rick and I were sophomores when we played in the 64 seasons and always loved and respected each other but also had a special closeness. I regret not making more time to visit him. I am crying as I am writing this because no words do him justice.
Bob Mielke
224-623-4886
Carl Cmejrek
July 25, 2024
Played both football and baseball with Frank at Michigan. He was a class act and I'm proud to call him a Friend.
Ashleigh Olesen
July 23, 2024
Growing up I would attend Nunley family gatherings with Lyndsay, his granddaughter. Frank was always so caring and generous. He nicknamed me "shadow" because I would always be following Lyndsay around as a shadow would. With love, rip Frank
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