Frank Edwin Wilcox Sr.

Frank Edwin Wilcox, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Frank will be remembered for his quiet strength, creative spirit, and deep love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Fred Wilcox; his mother, Josephine Carr Wilcox; his stepmother, Dorothy Wilcox; his infant brother, Edward Wilcox; and his stepbrother, Michael Minton.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Malinda Roberts Wilcox, with whom he shared a life grounded in devotion, resilience, and enduring love. He was a proud and loving father to Edward Marvin Wilcox (Michele), Brenda Wilcox Ervin (Mark), Frank Edwin Wilcox, Jr. (Lura), and Stephanie Alina Wilcox Sossamon (Lee).

He was a cherished grandfather to Michele Ervin Lominac (William), Hannah Elisabeth Varnadoe (Hector), Maya Sossamon, Levi Sossamon, and Alina Sossamon, and a delighted great-grandfather to William “Liam” Frank Lominac.

Frank is also survived by his sister, Virginia Laws, and his step-siblings William Minton, Nancy Oakley, and Steven Wilcox, who were lovingly adopted into the family by his father.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Navy, an experience that shaped much of his worldview and lifelong curiosity. He often spoke fondly of the places he traveled, the art and architecture he encountered around the world, and the unique work he did. These stories reflected both his technical skill and his sense of adventure. Frank continued his service in the American Legion Post 29, where he was an active member for many years.

A graduate of Lenoir High School, Frank held deep affection and pride for his hometown and formative years there. Education remained important to him throughout his life, and he appreciated the opportunities and community that helped shape his steady work ethic and thoughtful nature.

Frank found joy in many pursuits. He was a talented artist, working in watercolor, pen & ink, and woodworking, and had a lifelong appreciation for music and photography. He was a founding member of the Foothills Visual Arts Guild. He loved restoring and collecting old clocks and pocket watches. Above all, he treasured time with family, whether through conversation, shared interests, or quiet moments together.

Frank’s life was marked by reflection, humility, and gratitude. He valued personal growth, faith, and peace, and those close to him know how meaningful the Serenity Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer were to him.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, at 5:00 PM at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Frank’s life an hour prior to the service.

Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy.

Flowers are appreciated, as they reflect the beauty Frank so often noticed and admired in the world around him.