Dr. Paul Franklin Maness Jr.

1951 - 2026

Dr. Paul Franklin Maness, Jr.

August 30, 1951 - March 8, 2026

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Dr. Paul Franklin Maness, Jr., known as Frank, passed away on Sunday, March 8, after a valiant fight with interstitial lung disease. During his life, Frank was a respected and caring dentist. But above all else he was a family man who loved deeply, showed up fully and found his greatest joy in the people closest to him.

Frank was a devoted father to his daughters, Anne and Caroline, and a proud and loving grandfather to Paul, Alanna, and Andrew. He delighted in time spent with family and found great joy in activities with his daughters and grandchildren. He also shared a special bond with his great-nephews, Will and Connor Brannan, with whom he loved spending time and creating memories. Simple times like family gatherings, shared meals and everyday moments were what brought Frank happiness.

He shared a devoted partnership with the love of his life, Dr. Nona Breeland, marked by one love and a lifetime together. Married for nearly 24 years, they were truly inseparable. They met through a mutual friend who introduced them at the UNC Best of Dentistry Gala; from then on, they did everything together. They were each other's best friend, constant companion, favorite travel partner and greatest support. Their life together was built on laughter, an ability to have fun no matter where they were, and sustained by deep affection and respect.

Frank was born August 30, 1951 in Burlington, NC to Dr. Paul Franklin Maness and Anne Barrow Maness. Frank enjoyed a childhood filled with love and joy alongside his siblings Phil and Beth, and was immensely proud of his parents and siblings. He was also proud of the values his family instilled in him-values that shaped his sense of responsibility, service and integrity throughout his life.

Frank carried those values into his education and work. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with honors from North Carolina State University, a place he loved deeply and supported with enduring loyalty. During his undergraduate studies, Frank was recognized for academic excellence through election to several national honor societies, including Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon, and Phi Kappa Phi.

Following his time at NC State, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, from which he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1979. During his time at UNC, he received the International College of Dentists Achievement Award. He went on to complete advanced clinical training through dental internships and a general practice residency at Denver General Hospital. He remained closely connected to UNC throughout his life, serving on the UNC Dental Alumni Association Board of Directors.

In September 1980, Frank opened his private dental practice in Raleigh, where he served patients for almost four decades. Dentistry, for Frank, was never just a profession; it was service to the public. He approached his work with steadiness, professionalism and a genuine desire to care for people well. During his career, he was a member of the Raleigh Wake County Dental Society, serving as president and also program chair.

Throughout his career and into retirement, Frank remained deeply connected to organized dentistry. He was actively involved with the North Carolina Dental Society, serving on the Peer Review Committee, the Board of Directors of Services for Dentistry, and as chairman of the 2005 Annual Session. He also volunteered his time as a dentist for numerous Missions of Mercy Clinics. His professional relationships extended through the ADA, the NC Dental Society, the Durham-Orange Dental Society, and the Paul Revere Study Club.

Frank's commitment to excellence and service was recognized throughout his career. He was named a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Academy of Dentistry International, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Dentists, honors that reflected not only his clinical skill, but also his leadership, ethics, and dedication to the profession.

That same heart for service extended beyond his professional life. Frank volunteered with civic and community organizations, coached youth sports, supported charitable and educational causes, and remained active in his faith communities throughout his life. He was an active participant in the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club and enjoyed the relationships he built as a part of that group.

Frank also believed in enjoying life fully. He loved to play golf, snow and water ski, travel with Nona, and attend theater and musical performances. His love of music began early, when he played drums in the Williams High School band, and stayed with him throughout his life. These interests reflected his curiosity, his appreciation for beauty and craft, and his joy in sharing experiences with the people he loved.

Frank is survived by his wife, Nona Breeland; his daughters, Anne Maness Whitney (Robert) and sons, Paul and Andrew, and Caroline Maness and daughter, Alanna; his sister, Beth Kelley (Tim) and sons, Will and Ben; and his nieces Heather Capps (Benji) and children Micah, Noah and Emma, and Holly Lennon and children Hayden and Rosser. He is also survived by his extended family, friends and colleagues who will miss him deeply. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anne Maness; and his brother, Phil Maness.

A funeral service will be held at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. A reception will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Frank's name to the Dental Foundation of North Carolina (give.unc.edu/donate?p=dent), the North Carolina Missions of Mercy Clinics (ncdentalfoundation.org/give) or Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center (www.dukechildrens.org).