Laurie "Frank" Franklin Westmoreland

Laurie “Frank” Franklin Westmoreland passed away on August 28, 2026, at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro, NC. Born on March 5, 1944, to the late Raymond and Fannie Westmoreland Brantley in Liberty, North Carolina, Frank would be the youngest surviving child and therefore always lovingly referred to as “the baby of the family” by his sisters who forever adored him.

Frank was known for living life to the fullest and encouraged those around him to do the same. After losing his Dad at the age of five, the trajectory of his life was changed. Money was scarce, but the memories were many, and the core values he used to raise his family were instilled in him during those younger years. As a young boy, he spent his days playing in the woods with his sisters, hunting, fishing and riding his makeshift bicycle-one he liked to brag had a steering wheel instead of handlebars. Frank’s teenage years brought lots of adventure as he mastered skipping school during the day and carhopping at the Milky Way in Thomasville at night.

At the age of 17, Frank enlisted in the United States Navy, a decision he always said was one of the best he ever made. While in the Navy, Frank earned his GED and was given the opportunity to travel the world onboard the USS Harry E. Yarnell, or, as it was often referred to, the “Happy Harry”. One of Frank’s favorite pastimes was sharing stories of his Navy adventures with anyone who would listen, but especially with his children and grandchildren.

After serving 4 years in the Navy, Frank was honorably discharged and went to work as a truck driver, a trade his older brothers taught him. For many years, Frank traveled across the United States, having visited all but three states. With his CB handle of "Daydrinker,” he spent many years driving for several different companies, most notably Howard Trotter who treated Frank and his family like his own, and Kepley Frank Hardwood, where he spent thirty plus years making friendships that lasted a lifetime. He would often tell his children, “I’ve backed more miles than you’ll ever drive” and he was absolutely correct. After many years of living and thoroughly enjoying his bachelor lifestyle, everything changed at the age of 37 when his first child was born and then again two years later as he welcomed his son. Frank often said, becoming a parent forced him to make a life-changing decision. If he wanted to be the dad, he knew his children deserved, his life needed to change. It was then that he stopped smoking, stopped drinking and never looked back. Frank became the dad that every child deserves. He worked hard to provide for his family, coached their baseball and softball teams and, most importantly, was the best example of what being an overall good person in this world looks like. He watched over his family and friends and was always there to lend a hand to a stranger in need. Frank never forgot his humble beginnings, as his early years created one of the hardest-working men with the most generous and servant-hearted spirit.

Frank spent his later years riding his Harley-Davidson with his son and friends, attending his grandchildren’s ballgames, teaching them to fish, yard sale, ride bikes and play poker during family beach trips and enjoyed his Sunday morning golf outings with his buddies. He looked forward to hosting his entire family each year during his annual Fourth of July cookout, where he always kept everyone laughing and entertained. To know Frank was to love him. As life slowed, he enjoyed helping out in the garden, evening Kubota rides around the farm and watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball.

Frank is survived by his two children who will always remember him as their best friend and hero: daughter Keisha Westmoreland Davis and husband Lewis of Randleman, and son Kevin Westmoreland and wife Hayleigh of Sophia. Frank, known lovingly by his 6 grandchildren as “Grandgrad,” leaves behind memories of his jokes, laughter, beach trips and the endless amount of love he had for them all; Ela, Eva and Evan Davis; and Elliot, Miller and Murphy Westmoreland. In addition, Frank is survived by his stepchildren Deano Harrison and family and Michelle Harrison and family; sisters Patty Hinshaw and Nancy Newby (Frank); sister-in-law Bobbie Westmoreland; and an endless number of nieces, nephews and cousins with whom he loved to gather, reminisce and make memories.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his stepfather, Robert Brantley; sisters Claudette Lankford, Ola Black (Clifton) and Cindy Crawley; brothers, Cecil Westmoreland and Pete Westmoreland (Madalyn); and brother-in-law Ray Hinshaw.

A memorial service to celebrate Frank’s exceptional life will be held on Saturday, September 12th, at 4:00pm at Central Wesleyan Church, 614 Hoover Street, Asheboro, with Pastor Michael Jernigan officiating. Visitation will follow. The family invites everyone to attend in colors that bring a smile to your face, just as Frank did to so many.

Frank’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at the Randolph Hospice House. They not only took exceptional care of him during his final days but also provided his family with an immense amount of love and kindness that will forever be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Randolph Hospice House (https://www.hospiceofrandolph.org/donate/donations-you-can-help/) or the Randolph County Animal Shelter at 1370 County Land Road Randleman, NC 27317.

The family is under the care of Advantage Funerals and Cremations of Archdale, NC.