Franklin – Franklin Spicer "Frank" Edmonds, 75, died April 19, 2007 at his home. Mr. Edmonds was born June 5, 1931 in Richmond, and grew up in Accomac on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. His father, John W. Edmonds, Jr. was editor and publisher of the Peninsula Enterprise and his mother, Katharine H. S. Edmonds, was the founder of the Eastern Shore Public Library.
After graduating from the University of Richmond, Mr. Edmonds went on active duty as a Naval officer stationed principally at the U. S. Submarine Base in New London, CT. He returned to the Eastern Shore in the mid 1960s as Associate Publisher of the Peninsula Enterprise until its sale and merger into the Eastern Shore News. Mr. Edmonds worked for Union Camp Corporation for over thirty five years, retiring as Manager of Converter Sales. He was past chairman of the suppliers group of the Envelope Manufacturers Association.
He was a Rotarian and past president of the Franklin Rotary Club, a past member of the Board of Southampton Academy, a former Senior Warden of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and a member of the Board of the Frederic W. Boatwright Society at the University of Richmond. Mr. Edmonds was a member of Cypress Cove Country Club, Biltmore Forest Country Club, and The Ocean Reef Club.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Sample Edmonds; two sons, Franklin S. Edmonds, Jr. and wife, Pamela Feinour, of Charlottesville, and J. Rice Edmonds and wife, Elizabeth Davenport, of Richmond; five grandchildren, Holland, Jack, Allie, Annie, and Spicer; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Edmonds of Richmond. Mr. Edmonds was predeceased by a brother, John W. Edmonds, III.
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm Sunday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Franklin, with The Rev. Edmund Pickup and The Rev. Ben Duffy officiating. Burial will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Garden in Asheville, NC at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, P. O. Box 146, Franklin, VA. 23851, or the charity of one's choice. Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org.