Franklin Perkins Hall

Franklin Perkins Hall, 76, a longtime leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, died peacefully at home on May 25, after a courageous battle with cancer. Filled with zest and determination, and deeply loved and appreciated by his family, he savored every moment of life and lived it to its fullest.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Phoebe Poulterer Hall, with whom he raised a family, founded the law practice of Hall and Hall, and enjoyed adventure while travelling the world. He is also survived by his daughter, Kimberly Hall Johnson and her husband Dan; his son Franklin Perkins Hall, Jr. and his wife Melanie; three precious grandchildren, Savannah, Lillian and Mary Grace; his brother James L. Hall and wife Ann; his sister Arlean Whitaker; brothers-in-law William T. Poulterer III and wife Jane, and R. Jeffrey Poulterer and wife Maudene; and a host of nieces, nephews, other dear relatives, friends, colleagues, staff members and constituents. He was predeceased by his parents, Perkins and Lois Hall of Amelia.

Frank’s 34 years of service in the Virginia House of Delegates was his crowning professional achievement. He led House Democrats from 2002 to 2007 and was a key figure in crafting the Commonwealth’s biennial budget. He loved being a political, professional and personal mentor to the people around him. He was proud of the establishment of the annual Frank and Phoebe Hall Humanitarian Award for the Area Agency on Aging and their strong support of the Alzheimer’s Association. After founding Commonwealth Bank in Richmond, Frank enjoyed serving on the Boards of Directors of First Community Bank and the MCV Health Authority. In 2014, Governor McAuliffe appointed Frank to serve on the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Whether it was riding a mule down a 2000-foot cliff in Hawaii, waterskiing on the James River, vacationing with his wife in Lewes, Delaware, taking the train to visit his daughter in North Carolina, fly fishing with his son in Montana, taking his granddaughters for ice cream outings, or learning about the geopolitical issues of Europe and Asia, Frank always wanted to learn everything he could and was famous for the words, “Tell me about that.”

When asked why he entered public service, Frank replied simply that he wanted to be able to help others. He was a tireless public servant in both mind and deed. His kind, gracious, and generous spirit combined with his enormous energy, keen curiosity, and great sense of adventure allowed him to be devoted to his family while tirelessly advocating for public schools, health care, mental health, the needs of seniors, the arts, and anyone he saw in need.

As Frank would have said, “good show. Good show indeed.”

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at the Woody Funeral Home at 1771 North Parham Road. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, VA 23298-0214 or [email protected].