Francis "Frank" Harman Sox

Frank was born to the late W. Henry and Annie Lou Sox, on May 22, 1933, in Lexington, South Carolina.

After 35 years of service with Bell South, Frank’s retirement was spent faithfully serving God, his family, his country, his church, and his community. He served 25 years in the SC Army National Guard, volunteered with Mission Lexington, Friends of the Library and Lexington Women’s Club. As a member of Lexington Baptist Church for 79 years, he served Jesus in various capacities: Sunday school teacher, choir member, Hospitality Committee, and greeter. Frank lived out his life as commanded in 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

After retirement, Frank, also known as “Daddy Frank” to many, taught himself to craft the instrument he so loved to play, the mandolin. Often using exotic woods and traditional hand tools, he handcrafted nearly 100 mandolins. Those mandolins’ joyful music could be heard at one of the many bluegrass jam sessions he hosted in his workshop with local friends and musicians. For these mandolins, his craftsmanship garnered several Blue Ribbons at the SC State Fair and an invitation to participate in the SC State Museum’s Carolina Makers Artisan Exhibit.

In addition to his music and mandolins, Frank also enjoyed sharing the fruits of another hobby, his beautifully restored antique roadsters. Over the years, he has chauffeured many newlyweds and dignitaries in his 1928 Oakland Roadster and his 1931 Ford Model A. On occasion, they even made appearances in local parades and car shows.

Always willing to serve and share, Frank and his selfless giving and gentle spirit, will be missed greatly by his family and friends. To know him was to love him.

Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara “Bobbie”; daughter, Kimberly Sox; and son, Jonathan Sox (Anita). He was predeceased by his brothers, Wray Sox (Barbara) and Jim Sox (Betty Jo); and sister, Ann Alewine (Roger).

We will celebrate his life on April 5, 2024, at Lexington Baptist Church 308 E. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072, with visitation from 9:30-11:00 AM and the service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lexington Baptist Church Building Renovation Project, 308 E. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072.