Frank C. Comer

Smithville – Frank C. Comer, 82, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at NMMC, Tupelo. Born on July 13, 1933, in Itawamba County, he was a son of Archie H. and Lillie Mae Holcomb Comer.

Frank was a graduate of Itawamba Agricultural High School and IJC. He honorably served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. On December 7, 1956, Frank married Thera Holloway. After operating a trucking business, he opened Comer Supermarket in 1968. Leaving the store operations to his family, Frank accepted a job with the MS State Department Vocational Division in Jackson, teaching vocational classes at all the State Community Colleges. Returning to Monroe County, he worked as the Vocational teacher for Monroe County Schools. A dedicated teacher, Frank retired after 23 years in education.

An active member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, his life was guided by God, his wife, and family, always in this order. Wonderful, loving, and caring, Frank enjoyed being with his family and grandchildren. While being together, many fond and lasting memories will be cherished from their beach trips to Florida and their traveling to NASCAR races in Daytona, Talladega, and Bristol to root for his favorite driver, Mark Martin. Frank was passionate about Thanksgiving and especially Christmas family holidays. He was a regular member of “Hardee’s Men’s Club,” “The Round Table of Mel’s Diner,” and at Smithville Texaco. His favorite music was Country and Gospel. An animated storyteller, Frank enjoyed giving unsolicited advice to anyone who was nearby as well as “supervising” a variety of activities.

Survivors include his wife, best friend, and soulmate of 58 years, Thera Comer, Smithville; daughter, Ann Goodwin (Phil), Smithville; sons, John Comer (Vickie), Hatley, and Ronnie Comer (Elouise), Conway, AR; sister, Nelda Bailey, Starkville; grandchildren, Rebekah Norwood (Jason), Mary Comer Walters, Leigh Anne Mackenzie (Josh), Jana Comer, John Ross Comer (Stella), Philip Goodwin, and Mollie Comer; great-grandchildren, Colton and Makaylah Sumner; Annalynn Walters; Aubrey and Annsleigh Mackenzie; a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Stark Comer, Howard Comer, and Lansford Comer.

His Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Amory, with The Rev. Brian Gordon and The Rev. Jamie Bailey officiating. Burial will follow in Hatley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Philip Goodwin, John Ross Comer, Patrick Holloway, Hal Holloway, Jeff Moore, Josh Mackenzie, and Mike, Joe, Jason, and Justin Comer. Honorary pallbearers will be Kermit Nations, Randall Wigginton, Ricky Gault, Randle Gray, Howard Standifer, Rick Sizemore, Ragan Fikes, Doug Stevens, Teddy Faulkner, and Donald Steed.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Tuesday, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory. Mr. Comer will lie-in-state at the church on Wednesday morning from 10 AM until the service hour.

Memorials may be given to St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, PO Box 535, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.