WILMINGTON — Francis Houston Symmes, Sr., age 95, died November 14, 2023 peacefully at his home.
He was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, the youngest of four sons of Harrison Matthews Symmes and Mary Bolles Harriss.
He married Sarah Anderson (Ann) Post December 27, 1952. After high school graduation in 1946, he enlisted in the US Army and served at the Presidio of San Francisco in California. He attended college at both NCSU and UNC Chapel Hill. In Wilmington his early employment included management positions with Retail Credit Co., NC Employment Security Commission, Mojud Lingerie, Inc., and Southern Laces, Inc.
In 1963 he and his family moved to Asheboro, NC, where he was employed by Stedman Corp. Later employment included Universal Textured Yarns, Inc. and BASF Corp. Employment relocations included Red Springs, North Carolina, Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Statesboro, Georgia. He retired from BASF in 1993, after 23 years of service. He and Ann relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1995.
Ann and Frank rented a beach cottage at Wrightsville Beach every summer for nearly 30 years until they relocated back to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1995. Their immediate and extended families were always together during these “fun” vacations. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins from several generations often rented cottages during the same time.
During the summers from 1995 through 2002, Ann and Frank would have their grandchildren, Francis Houston Symmes, III, James Francis Lamb and Heather Anne Symmes spend much of their summer vacation with them. They would be engaged with them in many activities including sailing, building model cars and rockets, playing piano and renting video movies to name a few. They were very much involved with their grandchildren.
His wife, Sarah (Ann) predeceased him October 26, 2002. He is survived by his son, Francis Houston Symmes, Jr., and wife, Sandra Kay, of Winston Salem, North Carolina; and daughter, Sarah Lamb, and husband James, of Greensboro, North Carolina. Also surviving are grandchildren, Francis Houston Symmes III, his wife Bethany and children, Catherine and Henry, of Winston Salem, North Carolina; Heather Anne Symmes, of Winston Salem, North Carolina; and James Francis Lamb, his wife, Jami and child, Ian, of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Frank was a loving father, a loyal employee, and an altruistic friend. He worked hard to provide for his family and was a man of high moral value. Summer vacations and holidays were always with family and full of fond memories. Once returning to Wilmington, he was an active member of the HOA in his community and spent many joyous occasions with neighbors and friends. Family and friends were always welcome in his home. We will miss this truly gracious man. He is now at peace with his beloved Ann.
Interment will be at Oakdale Cemetery, December 16, 2023 at 2 p.m. followed by a celebration at 1207 Clipper Lane.
Due to Frank’s love of bluebirds, the family is requesting in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the “National Audubon Society.”
