I am saddened to share the January 25 passing of longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee S. Frank Blocker, Jr., 93, of Norfolk.
Frank was predeceased by his parents S. Frank Blocker Sr., Wilma Williamson Blocker and his cousin Kenneth Sellers. He graduated from Granby High School in 1945 and from the University of Virginia in 1950. Frank was the owner of Eastern Auto Distributors and founder of the Blocker Foundation which supports numerous charitable organizations.
Frank became a member of the VWU Board of Trustees in 1990, serving until he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2007. Frank also served as a member of the President's Advisory Council, chairing the group from 1989-1990, and as a member of the 25th Anniversary Campaign Steering Committee from 1986-1991.
Virginia Wesleyan's S. Frank and Wilma Williamson Blocker Hall was named in his parents' honor in 1992, recognizing Frank's generous contributions to the University. His generosity also funded the Frank Blocker Youth Center, which opened on campus in 2017.
Frank also served as board chairman for the Norfolk YMCA and later became the chairman of the Endowment program. His love for the YMCA and generous donations resulted in the renaming of the Norfolk Branch to the S. Frank Blocker YMCA.
Left to cherish his memory are several first cousins Steve and Carolyn Williamson, Roy and Collette Williamson; Emma Jo and Don Guest; Andy and Jeanine Williamson; JoAnn Sellers and Victoria Worrell along with their extended families.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his dedicated caregivers Charlene Langlois, Jean Byrd along with members of the Senior Core Staff and Grace Hospice.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, Norfolk. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with a burial to follow at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk.
In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Norfolk YMCA and the Norfolk SPCA. The original obituary is published and condolences may be offered to the family at hollomon-brown.com.
We are grateful for Frank's service to and support of Virginia Wesleyan University and wish his family comfort and peace during this difficult time.
