Frank H. Lewis
May 2, 1939 ~ May 27, 2001
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Mr. Lewis was born in Old Fort, was a son of the late Frank Howard Lewis, Sr., and was a 1957 graduate of Burnsville High School and a 1961 graduate of Appalachian State University. He taught for one year at Glenwood High School in McDowell County and at Maryland Park Junior High School in Prince George County, MD, the following year.
For the next five years he taught at West Asheville’s Hall Fletcher School before being named principal of Shiloh Elementary School in 1968 and Biltmore School in 1970. We was then principal of Glen Arden Elementary School for eight years before transferring to the Buncombe County Schools office as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel. He later became Director of Student Services, a position he held until his retirement in July, 2000.
At the time of his death he was working as Supervisor of Student Teachers for Appalachian State University and he also maintained a business at the NC Farmer’s Market.
He was a member and Sunday school teacher at West Asheville Baptist Church and was a member of the Board of Directors of Skyland Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife, Donna A. Lewis; his mother, Exam Lewis Haney of Marion; his brother, James A. Lewis of Burnsville; and two uncles, Elmer B. Manick of Marion and Max B. Manick of Old Fort; and one aunt, Ruth L. Banks of Burnsville.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm Tuesday at West Asheville Baptist Church with the Rev. Ken Lewis and the Rev. Dr. James H. Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Holcombe Cemetery in Burnsville. An honor guard will be provided by the Skyland Fire Department.
Active Pallbearers will be Ken Jarvis, Tommy Koontz, Bob Embler, Bill Teague, Tony Huntsinger, Joe Eblen, Mal Brown, and Dean Arrington. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Frank Yeager, Dr. Andy Miller, Dr. Bob Bowers, J.B. Arrington, Dennis Pressley, John Parris, Dusty Pless and Joe Eblen.
His family will receive friends at the church from 1 - 3 pm Tuesday.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Eblen Foundation, 304 Summit Street, Asheville, NC 28803.
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I met Frank though my job with the Yancey County FSA office.
He was one of the nicest men I ever met and I was devastated
to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you.
I was saddened to learn of the loss of Frank. He was so dear to me at two important times in my life. I did my student teaching in the Special Ed. class at Biltmore Elementary back in 1972-73. Frank was so kind and helpful as I applied for positions for the following year.
After resigning from my teaching position in 1978 and going back to school in Counseling I deserately needed a job when my husband left me. Frank offered me a teaching position mid-year at Glen Arden. Once again, he was always kind and helpful.
After completing my Masters program, I was at Frank’s door at the Central Office seeking a Counseling position. He was so helpful and offered me a position which I was unable to accept.
I’ll never forget Frank’s kindness and feel blessed to have known him.
I can still hear him saying, ‘Youngun, how’re you doing? You’re a good one.’
Donna,
Our dear Frank will be sorely missed. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. May he rest in God’s peace.
My family and I have a lot of memories of Frank. Jill was one of his students in the 6th grade at Hall Fletcher Elementary. Then, our son Christopher was a student of Frank’s when he was the principal at Glen Arden Elementary. We worked closely with him in the Glenn Arden PTA, and I became a member of the State PTA Board at that time. Then Frank was very supportive and helpful in standing behind me as I designed and carried a very innovative health promotional and drug prevention program to Glenn Arden and all the Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools. He loved my puppets, Bookum the Koala and Shadricka the Monkey as well as the program we presented to students and parents throughout the years Frank was principal and our son attended school.
Even after the schools stopped funding the To Our Survival Program and my life took me to Charleston, SC, to direct an alcohol-drug and dual diagnosis program until the hospital, Fenwick Hall, closed, when I returned to Asheville, the first time I saw Frank he embraced me and encouraged me to continue following God’s direction in my life. This was not the end of our connection.
In November of 1996, I was appointed by the United Methodist Church to serve part-time the Old Fort-Bethel Charge that included Bethel UMC near Painter’s Greenhouse and across from the Crooked Creek Fire Department, and the Old Fort United Methodist Church. Shortly after that we moved to the parsonage in Old Fort. Bertie, Gay and Celeste White are members here. Through Bertie I met Exam, Frank’s mother. And once more I was connected with Frank. His aunt, Rita Mannic, was a member of our Bethel Church and at her death I took part in her funeral and saw Frank again.
Frank’s spirit soars with the angel’s now. My family and I will never forget his unconditional loving, compassionate and generous spirit. Please receive this letter of memories and our connection with Frank as a small token of our unmeasureable esteem and affection for one of God’s brightest earth angels. In the love of Christ, and the sure knowledge that Frank is preparing a place for you, for us and for all who were ever blessed to know him,
we remain faithfully yours,
Pastor Pete Banyai
Jill Banyai
Christopher Banyai
A memorial gift has been sent the the Eblen Foundation in Franks memory.
I was so sorry to hear about Frank. I first met Frank when I played high school basketball and he officiated. Then I taught in Buncombe County 1975-1985. I’m now at ASU and I would see him when he came over for the Student Teacher meetings. He was a generous and wonderful person who did so much for young people. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr Lewis was my Civics
teacher in 1965. He was admired and loved by all.
Frank had a tremendous impact on my life. We always greeted one another with a hug and always took a moment to share our love for the Lord. His humor, his compassion for others, his giving spirit and his love for the Lord will always be the memories I cherish most. He loved children and reached out to them in ways most people do not realize. What he has done for Buncombe County Schools will live forever. I thank God for giving us Frank Lewis.
Our deepest sympathies for the family of Frank. We will always remember Frank as one of the nicest people we have ever known. He was very helpful in so may ways to our family. If you needed a favor all you had to do was ask him and he took care of it. Thanks Frank
I (Olin) have known ‘Frank Howard’ since we were kids in Burnsville. I am so glad we visited him at the Farmer’s Market recently. It was like old times. We will miss him!
I (Gail) began teaching at Hall Fletcher in 1966. My folks are from Yancey County, so I had known of Frank before that time. Ronnie, Frank, Bill, and George were the mischevious ‘kid-teachers’ at Hall Fletcher. The stories of their exploits are hilarious. It was a time of good fun and good teaching. We have enjoyed our HF breakfasts every two months together. Words cannot express how much we will miss his cheery, smiling face. God bless you, Donna!
In 1992, Frank interviewed me for a school social work position with Buncombe County Schools. For such an affable, friendly guy, I have to tell you that was one of the toughest interviews I’ve ever had! Because I needed to be out-of-state when final decisions were made, Frank called me in Illinois. I hadn’t arrived yet but after getting my parents’ promise not to tell me until he could call back & let me know himself, he told them I’d gotten the job. Nine years later, my mother would still occasionally ask me, ‘How is that nice Mr. Lewis doing?’ Frank was supportive of me and all of the school social workers as we negotiated our way through new territory. After all, along with many others, we were some of his ‘favorite young’uns!’ He continued his support as I became a school counselor. I will never forget Frank’s enthusiasm, his ability to hold forth on subjects dear to his heart, his admonishments that ‘we have to do all we can for these kids’, and those great big hugs with his cheek on yours. He will be sorely missed but so fondly remembered by so many.
Although we are part of the Asheville City Schools, we feel
that we have suffered a tremendous loss. Frank Lewis was
one of the most concerned individuals for our students who
ever worked as advocate for them. His genuine love for all
students was felt thoughout the school systems.
Thank you Frank for caring about our students. We will miss
you greatly!!!
Staff of The Accelerated Learning Center
Although we are part of the Asheville City Schools, we feel
that we have suffered a tremendous loss. Frank Lewis was
one of the most concerned individuals for our students who
ever worked as advocate for them. His genuine love for all
students was felt thoughout the school systems.
Thank you Frank for caring about our students. We will miss
you greatly!!!
Staff of The Accelerated Learning Center
Frank Lewis was truly the kindest, caring, genuine person I have ever met. He always had time to talk and show you he really cared. I know he will be missed by so many people. I will definitely miss seeing him. He was always there to give you a hug and say, ‘ How are you, youngun?’ You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God has one more wonderful loving spirit in heaven because Frank Lewis is there.
Donna-I was so saddened to hear of Frank’s death. He was always a special friend to me. The days in our College and Career SS class were always special. Everytime I saw him at church he made a special point to speak to me. He also would ask about my class at school and how my year was going. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now.We will miss Frank greatly.
Frank Lewis was one of a kind! He will be missed by a lot of people. When you saw him you knew you would get two things; a hug and a laugh. I always appreciated the fact that he thought everyone was important, no matter what their position. He was always willing to share his faith and politics. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and appreciate the opportunity to have known Mr. Lewis. He touched many lives and will be remembered by all who knew him.
We just wanted the family to know that they are in our prayers and they have our deepest sympathies.
Just wanted you to know that your in our prayers
Our prayers are with your family during this time of great sorrow. Frank was my Civics teacher at Hall Fletcher in the early 60’s and he was truly a friend to all who graced his classroom. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
God Bless,
Jerry & Carol Hagan
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Frank has been a special friend for many years. He always had a big smile and a warm greeting for every one. He had a way of brightening your day by his presence. He was principal at Glen Arden when our children attended there. Later, he hired me as an assistant to join the staff. I always looked forward to his visits at school after he moved on to the county office. He will be greatly missed by all!
Our deepest sympathy with all our love,
John, Stephanie,Kaitlin,and Jonathan
Donna: Vanessa Lanning
Gregorio and I share in your
loss and your grief. We extend our sympthay
Please accept my condolences in your time of grief. I knew Frank back in the late 60’s and always valued his advice and good humor. I was at UNC-A for three years and then worked with Fred Martin in the Buncombe Co Schools. Tommy Koontz and I have kept in touch all these years. Frank was a good man and he had lots of friends. He made a positive impact on every body that he met. Bill Shipp
To the family, I just read about Mr. Lewis’ death through the obituaries on the website of Lee Edwards class of ’68. He was most definetly my favorite teacher throughout my 12 years in school. He always had that bright smile, and a love about him that stood out above all other teachers. I seen him in Proffitts a few years back for the first time since Hall Fletcher. We stood in the middle of the aisle reminiscing about ‘our’ grade.He was a wonderful man.God Bless you on your loss, but Heavens gain. Linda
Frank was a great friend and we will miss him.
Donna, we love you – if we can do anything, please let us know. GOD BLESS YOU
I remember how Frank and you went out to eat with Joe and I at Hilton Head one night. After we ate Frank decided he wanted a piece of pie and we went all over the island until we found some pie at the Hilton head diner. It was a fun night. Frank always had so much jest for life and he never seemed to get down or discouraged. I will miss him and I can picture Frank and Joe sitting up in heaven having a big piece of pie together. Love, Betty
Frank Lewis was an exceptional leader, educator , motivator and friend. He had a gift for making each student and parent feel special. I was a student at Glen Arden while he was principal there. He was also a big reason I later returned to Buncombe County to teach. My parents enjoyed getting to know him while I was in school and were amazed that he always remembered them. They enjoyed visiting with him at the Farmer’s Market. The world is a better place since Frank Lewis was part of it, and all of us were fortunate to know him. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Psalm 116:15
Kimberly Moore Medlin and
The Moore’s
In working with Frank since 1980, I have never seen a man who was such a friend to everyone that he met, under any circumstances. Frank was always a gentle person and a dedicated individual. It was an honor to have known him.
Jane Luther, Enka High School, Retired March, 1999.
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
Michael, Nancy, Chris, Holly Sluder
We have known Frank for 30 years and are so sorry to hear of his passing.Frank and I referreed basketball and football together for many years.He was as honest as the day is long and a man of great integrity.
My son Tommy used to meet Frank at Glen Arden and they would open the school. Tommy was 7 yrs old. He is devastated by the news about Frank.
My condolences and sympathy to Donna and his Mom.
Bill and Tommy Glenn
Special memories that I treasure with Frank and Donna are bringing in the New Year new millenium together at Dianne and Sam’s, and sharing the marvelous experience of attending Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. God bless you.
I first met Frank when we both were in high school. We played sports against each other and became friends. We even double-dated a few times while in high school.
As school principals in different parts of the state, we ran into each other at conferences, etc. through the years. Frank was the same friendly person all during these times.
I am sure that he was a wonderful educator and that he will be missed.
Jim Wheeler
Where do you begin, he touched so many, and never met a stranger! This man never had a bad word to say about anything or GOD forbid about anybody!!!! I met Frank
about 5 years ago or so, and what an individual he was! In that short period of time I had grown to know and LOVE him and Donna. What wonderful people , they excepted me for who I was. I had the pleasure of trying to make sure he was eating what was right for him, for about 2 years .
Frank never met a stranger, and I was those ‘youngins’ that he so loved to call us all!!!! Frank was an ANGEL on earth, he touched so many people in so MANY DIFFERENT WAYS, for the rest of all of our lives. There will NEVER be another HOLLYWOOD, I would see him sneak back into his office, as some had the chance to do and I would ask him HOW’S HOLLYWOOD???
We certainly share in your loss. Frank hired me(Donna) as a teacher assistant at Glen Arden in 1980. Even after I left there and accepted a teaching position at Emma, anytime I would see him, I could always count on that big smile, a hug and ‘hey there, young’un!’ He will surely be missed!
Dear Donna: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was a good friend to both of us. I first met Frank when he interviewed me for my first teaching job. Later, Bill enjoyed working with him as he designed additions for your house. We will miss him greatly.
Bill and Debbie Ross
We fondly remember Frank for his warmth, kindness, humor, loving nature, and his sincere care for his fellow man. We so appreciate the time he took to make us, his fellow educators and friends, feel valued and special. Although we miss him greatly, we know Frank is in the presence of his Heavenly Father and probably saying to the angels ‘Now, listen children, I’ve got a wonderful story to tell you…’ He has truly touched many lives and his legacy will live on in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Frank lives on in so many hearts; he is a role model I will keep with me each day that I teach.
Frank Lewis will live on as a memory of one educator who touched the lives of many. Students, athletes, student teachers, teachers, parents, counselors, administrators, central office staff, and superintendents alike will build on his philosophies of education for a long time to come. Our thoughts are with his family during this time of loss.
We are in Florida and read this on the Internet. Never have I been so shocked. Frank was a dear, dear friend, always helpful, always smiling, always a true gentleman. His death will leave a void that no one will be able to fill in this old world. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Donna,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you during these times. Frank and you are treasures from our past that we will always cherish. I will miss that greeting he always gave me…’Son, how in the world are you.’ His impact was far reaching. Our prayers are with you and if there is anything you need just ask.
Gary, Becky, Meredith, and Melissa
Frank touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with and was an asset to the Buncombe County School system by his presence. He will be missed by many.
Our condolences to the entire family in the loss of your loved one Frank .
We loved him very much and he will be greatly missed.
GOD BLESS
Donna,
‘Slim’ and I extend to you our heartfelt sympathy in your loss of Frank. He was truly a great person and we both loved him. We always enjoyed his company at church and at our Sunday School parties. I have missed seeing you and Frank at church due to health problems. We are remembering you in our thoughts and our prayers. We love you!
Dear Donna,
Robbie and I are devastated by the loss of a great friend. I’m here in Washington and cannot be at the service today, but please know that we are both thinking of you and are with you in spirit. WNC has lost one of its best.
Much love from all the Hendons.
Billy
Mr. Lewis was a dominate roll model in my life. He had a spark about him that everyone loved and he loved everyone. He was my pricipal at Glen Arden many years ago. To this day if I saw him out he would always know my name and ask about my parents. He will be missed, but his spiret will live in every childs heart. My deepest sarrow and sympathy.
Muffin Shook
The world has lost a great friend. Our condolences to you. We will miss him
I worked with Frank several years in the Buncombe County Board of Education. He always brought a smile into each room he entered. Prayers to you and your family.
Dear Donna and Frank’s family,
I hope you know how much June, Jessica, Kelsey and I loved Frank and love you. I pray you receive comfort and strength in knowing for certain that Frank is in the presence of our Lord Jesus. I am so very thankful that the Lord blessed our live’s with Frank.
Love,
Derick
Donna – I was so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing the two of you at Ken and Mary Jo’s.
Each time I saw Frank at Roberts & Stevens when he was there with the School Board or some other matter, he always had a kind word and hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Trantham
I met Mr. Lewis as a 7th grade student at Hall Fletcher
School. He was the teacher
everyone wanted. He was a fair,kind, gentle man that always made learning fun. I never met anyone who didn’t think the world of Mr. Lewis. He’ll be missed by the people whose lives he touched.
It was always a pleasure to see Frank. He was always so friendly, positive, and had encouraging and kind words to say. He was a real treasure in this world that is full of people that are self-filled and hypocritical. He was a true inspiration to everyone who had the opportunity to know him. I will miss his wonderful spirit. I will pray for God’s comfort to be with you at this most difficult time.
Frank was a true gentlemen. I as well as others will miss his smile, his hugs, his presences.
Frank was such a wonderful person. He always had a hug and a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed.
Frank was a special person. I worked with him at the school board. Accept my deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Frank will be missed… But we know he is
enjoying that heavenly place prepared for
him!
Donna,
We were so sorry to hear about Frank. It was a real shock to me when Danny Jarvis called to tell me about it today. We’ll be keeping you in our prayers Donna. I have a lot of fond and funny memories from knowing Frank, especially from my young teenage days when I used to spend a lot of time over at Mary Jo and Ken’s. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers. I have asked other people down here in Salisbury to also pray for you during this time. May God help you each day as only He can. We love you.
FRANK, EAT WITH US AT BBQ INN ON PATTON AVE., AND WAS A VERY SWEET CUSTOMER, AND I THOUGHT I SEEN HIM LAST WEEK!!!!! COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EYES WHEN I SEEN IT IN THE PAPER… HE WILL BEEE MISSED….
Frank Lewis was a very special man. He was my principal the first year I taught school. It has been many years since that time- and I realize that I was so blessed to have him in my life to support and guide me through that first year.
I had rules for my classroom and consequences if those rules were broken. One of my students broke the rules and I was extremely hesitant to dole out the consequences. Mr. Lewis took me into his office and explained to me how important it was to do what I said I would do. He offered to come with me to support me. I put on a brave face and walked out of his office with the paddle in my hand. Mr Lewis stood by me as I paddled the student. After I had finished, he asked me to come back into his office. The minute I walked into his office, I started to sob. He just wrapped me up in a big hug and told me that the student knew I loved him and would appreciate the ‘consequences’ someday. He said, ‘Look at me. You are a great teacher, young’un. Now … I want to see you smile.’
Frank’s words of encouragement and support are still with me today. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories and in knowing that he is with the Lord.
God bless you.
Donna, just wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers. Frank was a very special person in the lives of many people. He was a true encourager to me and I thank God for his influence on my life. The memorial service was beautiful. A true celebration of his life.
You are in my prayers…
Our condolences to your family for the premature loss of Frank. We appreciate his dedication to quality education in Buncombe County.
Helping formulate the Buncombe County Schools Foundation was just one of the many credits he has to his career. He made a difference for each of his students. We are grateful for his dedication.
What do you say about Frank? He was one of a kind! Agreat guy! I really appreciate his kindness and caring through the years. He was truely committed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Cooper
Teacher Emma
Judy Ramirez To a very special cousin and will be truly missed
I attended Glen Arden Elementary. My mom was his secretary. We adored him!