Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 22, 2023

CHARLOTTE – At the remarkable age of 100 years and one month, Francis Justice Timberlake, Jr., beloved husband, father, son and friend passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and service to others. His departure is mourned by his family, friends, caregivers and those whose lives he touched during his time on this Earth.

Born on August 24,1923 in Youngsville, NC, Frank was the only child of Francis Justice Timberlake, Sr. and Eula Bell Pappendick Timberlake. Youngsville was a very special place for Frank, as he was surrounded by the Timberlake “clan”, grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and many cousins. Sadly, his father passed away when Frank was quite young and he and his mother moved to Elizabeth City, NC, her hometown.

Frank was a very bright student and graduated from Elizabeth City High school at the age of 17.  He began his college career in 1940 as a pre-med student at Wake Forest University. While there, he was inducted into the honorary French fraternity, Sigma Pi Alpha, and also enjoyed the brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha. The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of Frank’s life as it would for many. Choosing to waive deferment, Frank enlisted in the army in 1943. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, then was enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program at the University of Maryland, before being stationed in Pearl Harbor for the remainder of the war. In the summer of 1944, while on leave in Washington D.C., Frank met his future bride, Frieda Tegge. Frieda was working for the FBI, as a secretary to J. Edgar Hoover. Frank and Frieda had a whirlwind romance and were married in December of 1944. Their happy union lasted almost 65 years. For the last decade of her life, Frank dedicated himself to caring for Frieda with a servant’s heart, as she battled Alzheimer's disease.

Their life took them to many locations following Frank’s career, mainly Charlotte, NC and Manitowoc, WI. Professionally, Frank had 32 wonderful years with the Mirro Aluminum Company. He approached his career with passion and integrity. His commitment to excellence and his ability to mentor and inspire others left an indelible mark on the lives of those with whom he worked.

Frank and Frieda were avid duplicate bridge players, pretty good golfers, great cooks and wonderful gardeners. They loved sharing these talents with their daughters, with whom time in the kitchen was always a family affair, and turkey gravy and pancakes were a rite of passage for all sons-in-law.

They also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, the United States and Japan. Frank “retired” for a minute and was lured to Montreal, Canada by Culinox Housewares Inc. He and Frieda made many friends in Montreal and Frank was finally able to use his French. After Frank’s second retirement, they decided warm weather and old friends were calling and moved back to Charlotte, NC.

Frank had an abiding faith throughout his life and served faithfully in many capacities in each church, in every city they lived. From administrative boards, financial committees, capital campaigns, Sunday school teacher, church revivals. While a member of Dilworth United Methodist Church, Frank was asked to help start a new church in the growing area off Park Road- that church was Grace United Methodist. In his 80’s Frank continued his study of scripture in Disciple Bible study classes at Myers Park United Methodist Church. He enjoyed this immensely and considered his classmates as new friends.

Frank is survived by his three daughters, Barbara T. Grier and husband, Richard, of Richmond, VA, Carolyn T. Mullin of Wauconda, IL, Frances T. Reichard and husband, Jim, of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Grayson Grier of Richmond, VA, Alyssa Schauer and husband, Dave of Almond, WI, Josh Reichard and Charley Reichard of Charlotte, NC; great-grandchildren, Yohann Schauer, Simone Schauer and Teo Schauer of Almond, WI. Also surviving are his Japanese AFS “daughter” Yuko Yamada and her family of Matsudo, Japan.

Frank was a remarkable individual who lived a life of integrity, kindness and generosity. His family would like to express their gratitude to all the health professionals and therapists of Brookdale Carriage Club Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living. Dad was granted grandfather status in the Skilled Nursing facility and was known affectionately as PawPaw. He was truly loved by his caretakers and he loved them in return. The family is especially grateful for the loving care of Monica Adams, Chanae Gholston, Debra Haines, Elba Mora, James Scott, Jalissa Wright, Valisha Fort, Anitra Caldwell and Keiara Harris and Teshenna Grant.

A service celebrating the life of Frank Timberlake will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in the Francis Chapel at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Frank to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 or Charlotte Rescue Mission, 907 W. 1st St., Charlotte, NC 28202.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.