William “Frank” Latham Jr., 92, of Virginia Beach, VA was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 9, 2023. He was the son of the late William (Bill) F. Latham Sr. and Catherine Kirkman Latham. He was predeceased by his wife, and the love of his life, Dorothy Smith Latham. He is survived by his two sons, William “Bill” F. Latham III, wife Lynn, and David Lee Latham, companion John; and his Grandson William “Will” F. Latham IV.
Frank was born on January 20, 1931 and was raised in Norfolk, VA. He attended Fork Union Military Academy and Graduated from Maury High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951 and served at MCAS Cherry Point. He married his High School Sweetheart Dorothy Lee Smith in 1952. He used the G.I. Bill and was accepted at the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary in 1953. He graduated in 1956 and as class president, he received the first 4-year degree conferred. He held positions in sales with Sears, Procter & Gamble, and Swift Agricultural Chemical Division. In 1970, he opened a franchise of Management Recruiters, Sales Careers, and later Office Mates. After 18 successful years he retired, managing his rental properties for the remainder of his life.
He enjoyed music, especially Jazz and The Big Band Sound. He enjoyed listening to David play the Piano and Will’s performances in The Princess Anne High School Band. He enjoyed sports and was a New York Yankees fan, which came from his days as a batboy for the Norfolk Tars, the minor league affiliate of the Yankees. He enjoyed Duck Hunting and was an avid fisherman. He owned enough Rods and Reels to open a tackle shop and few events topped a successful fishing trip resulting in Rock Fish on the table that night. He served as President of the ODU Alumni Association (1963-1964) and also served as President of the Kempsville Pony/Colt League (1973). He was an Elder at Kempsville Presbyterian Church and has counselled many individuals, leading them to spiritual growth in their walk with Jesus. He was a friend to all and always gave something of himself, that enhanced the lives of others in a significant and profound way. If Michael Jordan was the GOAT of basketball, earning the expression “Be Like Mike”, then Frank Latham was the GOAT of Friendship and has earned the expression “Be Like Frank”.
There will be a Memorial Service at Kempsville Presbyterian Church this Sunday, 9/17/23 at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.
