Frank Marion Middleton, Sr., 87, lovingly known as "Poppy," of New Bern, NC, formerly of Huntingtown, MD, died peacefully on July 22, 2022. Frank is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Juanita "Nita" Middleton.
He is survived by his two sons, Frank Middleton Jr. of New Bern and James Middleton & his wife Deanne of Youngsville; grandchildren Kelsey Stott & her husband Josh, Kailyn Middleton, and Cameron Middleton; and great-granddaughter Blakely Stott. Frank is also survived by three daughters, Janice Middleton, Linda Middleton, and Sandy Middleton, from a previous marriage. He is preceded in death by his uncle and best friend, Johnny Everett.
Frank was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 23, 1934 to Mary Fern Everett. Soon after they relocated to Minnesota, then found their way to Bradbury Heights, Maryland. It was there that he joined the United States Air Force. Frank was stationed in California for four years, then moved back home to begin his career with the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) in Washington, D.C. He married his beloved Nita, whom he affectionately called "Nitie my Sweetie," on December 12, 1959. They settled in Clinton, Maryland where Frank spent the years to follow coaching at the Boys and Girls Club and the local high school while raising his two sons. In addition to working for PEPCO, Frank was a tire specialist for multiple NASCAR drivers which allowed him and Nita to travel the country together. He retired in 1989 which made time for him to step into his favorite role: being Poppy to his grandchildren, Kelsey, Kailyn, and Cameron. Frank and Nita moved to New Bern, NC in 2003. There he developed a deep love for golf, playing multiple times a week over the next 15 years. He took care of his wife and enjoyed visits with his grandchildren every summer. Nothing made him happier than spending time with them as they grew up and he was overjoyed to welcome his great-granddaughter, Blakely, in December of 2021. Frank led an amazing life, but the most amazing thing about him was how much love he showed to others. He was always a good friend, a great husband and father, and the best grandfather.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest at 2:30 pm. Interment of Frank and Nita's ashes will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank's name to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Middleton family.
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