Frank Richard Till

Retired Army Major Frank Richard Till, 77 of Fayetteville, NC, died Sunday, February 10th 2019.  He was born on June 5, 1941, in Jersey City, NJ to the late Helen Marvin Till and Walter Till.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Glenda of nearly 50 years in 2015, and his daughter Martha Till Cade (Marvelous Martha) in October 2017.  He met his wife Glenda (the love of his life) in a history class at Wake Forest College in 1961. They were married by Glenda’s father, the late, Reverend Ralph L. Cannon, in a military wedding at Southside Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC, on July 31, 1965.  Frank was a close friend while at Wake Forest of the late Brian Piccolo (Brian’s Song) and remained a life-long Deacon fan.  He was a member of Haymount United Methodist Church, Highland Country Club,  Past President of the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club, Wake Forest Deacon Club, former member of the Board of Trustees at The Fayetteville Academy, and past Chairman of the National Search Committee for Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's  Music Director, Stefan Sanders.

Frank served in Vietnam as a rifle company commander (1967-68) in the 9th Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded in June 1968 and spent many months in numerous military hospitals.  Among his decorations were the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He also earned the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.  He was a 100 % Disabled Veteran with lifetime memberships in the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans (Chapter 46), the Military Officers Association (Cape Fear Chapter), and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Private, worked hard to Sergeant First Class, and retired as a Major.   

After his Army retirement in 1983, Frank spent the next twenty years at The Fayetteville Academy where he began as a language arts/social studies/history instructor. He later served as the Upper School Director (High School Principal) and Assistant Headmaster.  He enjoyed energetic young people, their parents, caring faculty, staff, and coaches.

Frank was known for his good humor, daily emails and generosity to his many friends.  He loved football, Wake Forest and 50's Rock n Roll music. His final wish was to remember the wonderful times with family and friends and his love of Jesus Christ. 

While Frank received many awards and much recognition during his lifetime, none was valued more than his role of husband, dad and Paw Paw. Frank is survived by his daughter Sharyn Till O’Briant of Brunswick, GA;  son-in-law, Joseph Cade of Fayetteville; sister Sandra Till Donato of Mount Laurel, NJ; two grandsons Colin O’Briant of Aiken, SC and Brendan O'Briant of Brunswick, GA; three lovely granddaughters Julianna, Lilly Grace, and Catherine Cade of Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The CARE Clinic, 239 Robeson Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301; The Fisher House, 3120 Loop Rd., Ft. Bragg, NC 28307; or to the charity of one's choice.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 14, 2019 from 5pm to 7pm at Jernigan Warren Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 1pm at Haymount United Methodist Church with Rev. Francis Daniels Officiating. He will be buried with full military honors at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Richard Till, please visit our floral store.