Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 26, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Francis “Frank” or (“Fra,” as so many lovingly called him) Curtis Thayer, Jr., died peacefully at his home in Charlotte, NC, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.  Frank was born on September 1, 1948, in New York, NY. Raised in Manhattan, he spent summers with his family in New Marlborough, MA, and it was a place he thought of fondly all his life.

Frank attended The Hotchkiss School, where he was an athlete and accomplished member of the Bluenotes acapella group.  He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a tennis scholarship before enlisting in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  He trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse from 1971-1972, achieving the designation of 91C, the highest level of non-commissioned officer medical certification.  This would jumpstart his interest in and passion for healthcare.  Following his time in the Army, he returned to UNC on the GI Bill, graduated, and went on to receive a Masters in Health Administration from Duke University.

Frank spent many of his years in Savannah, GA, where he was an HR Executive at Memorial Health University Hospital.  He would have a long career in hospital administration and physician recruiting.

Frank never met a stranger (at times to the embarrassment of his daughters), but everyone that met Frank loved him and knew he was someone special.  He was selfless, compassionate, kind-hearted, and sweet, despite living in chronic pain from a car accident over 40 years ago. He loved books, the Tar Heels, watching golf, travel (especially to Sea Island and Key West), ice cream, and New York-style pizza.

More than anything, Frank loved his family. His proudest accomplishment was his family and especially his three daughters, whom he adored. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of almost 37 years Marilyn; daughters, Lily Thayer Derrick (Drew), Maggie Thayer Williams (Todd), and Lexi Thayer; sisters, Margot Walker and Sarah Robinson; and his nieces and nephews.  He cherished his grandchildren Hal Derrick, Virginia Derrick, Ned Derrick, and Allie Williams, and his “grand-dogs” Sadie and Murphy.  He was preceded in death by his father, Francis C. Thayer, Sr.; mother, Constance Bradlee Thayer Devens; stepfather, David Devens; and sister, Sheila Thayer.   

Services will be private.

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.