Frank was born on Oct. 10, 1965, in Radford to Charles F. Friedman Jr. and Genevieve Wilson Friedman. He spent his early childhood on Woodbine Farm in Blacksburg before moving with his family to Lexington in 1973 — a community that would become both his lifelong home and the focus of his unwavering service.

A 1984 graduate of Lexington High School, Frank went on to attend Hampden-Sydney College, graduating in 1988. There, he served as Student Government secretary-treasurer, was a proud member of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. He later completed the prestigious Darden Banking School at the University of Virginia.

For nearly four decades, Frank built a respected career in financial services. After working in Jacksonville, Fla., and Richmond, Va., he returned home to Lexington, where he spent the next 29 years serving individuals, families, and small businesses with integrity, wisdom, and genuine care. Since 2011, he served as a financial advisor with CornerStone Bank, earning the trust and friendship of countless clients who often became lifelong friends.

Frank believed deeply in giving back to the community that had given him so much. After serving on Lexington City Council, he was elected mayor in 2016 and was reelected in 2020 and 2024. He approached public service with humility, thoughtfulness, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around him. Whether working through difficult decisions, celebrating community milestones, or simply greeting neighbors downtown, Frank led with kindness, common sense, and a sincere love for Lexington.

His commitment to service extended well beyond City Hall. Throughout his life, Frank generously shared his time and leadership with numerous organizations, including the Carilion Rockbridge Community Foundation, Kendal at Lexington, Virginia March of Dimes, Rockbridge United Way, Augusta Community Health Foundation, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, and the Blue Ridge ResourceAuthority. Most recently, he was honored to be elected to the board of the State Fair of West Virginia, a role he eagerly anticipated.

Frank is survived by his wife and best friend, Melissa, his six children, Maggie Barnes and her husband Attison, Wil, Foster, Cody, Carly, and Presley; his first grandson Baker Barnes; his brothers, Frederick and Foster; his sister, Christie, and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family

members, and dear friends.

Those who knew Frank will remember his quick wit, generous spirit, steady leadership, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. It was often said that Frank never met a stranger. He possessed an easy smile, a sharp sense of humor, and a gift for bringing people together. Whether around a conference table, at a community event, or spending time with family and friends, Frank made those around him feel valued and heard.

In recent years, Frank quietly faced cancer with extraordinary courage, determination, and grace. He rarely allowed his illness to define him, continuing to serve his community and those he loved with optimism and resilience. His strength, perseverance, and enduring good humor inspired everyone fortunate enough to walk beside him.

Frank leaves behind a legacy measured not only by the offices he held or the organizations he served, but by the countless lives he touched through his compassion, integrity, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of community. Lexington is a better place because of his life, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

A memorial service will be held at Lexington Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Lime Kiln Theater from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath & Alleghany has established the Frank Wilson Friedman Memorial Fund to honor Frank’s lifelong commitment to the Lexington community. Memorial contributions are gratefully welcomed and will continue the work and values that meant so much to him.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, NG