Kinston-Frank Linwood Laney, 83, was welcomed into his eternal home on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Frank was born in Franklin County, North Carolina to the late Henry Laney and Ruth Hendrick Laney on May 14, 1937.

Growing up, Frank enjoyed many activities including football, band, and scouts. Although time spent working, in school, and playing football prevented him from achieving Eagle Scout rank, he actively participated in the scout program earning many awards. He continued his legacy by serving with the BSA during his son’s tenure in the program. Exhibiting a strong work ethic and a passion to serve his fellow man, Frank proudly held two jobs working as a truck driver for freight companies over 30 years and serving with the Kinston Fire Department for 15 of those years. Frank retired from the Kinston Fire Department ranking as a lieutenant.

There has never been a more avid sports fan than Frank. As an outstanding football player at La Grange High School, he passed his love of sports on to his children, often spending quality time with them playing a game of ball in the yard. The teams he cheered for most included East Carolina University and Alabama, always pulling for the Purple and Gold or the Crimson Tide. In basketball, his top team was always the Duke Blue Devils. He was perhaps best described as an “Anybody but Carolina” fan as he was known to say he’d pull for Russia before he’d pull for Carolina. Frank held a deep love for his Chevy truck.

Time spent riding the roads near or far was time well-spent. He most enjoyed driving down for his daily breakfast at Ken’s Grill where he ate good food and socialized with his many friends. Sitting around that table, they were able to solve all the world’s problems. Frank could be found at Ken’s Grill nearly every day, sometimes even twice a day. Possessing a way with words that were easy for you to understand, Frank had no trouble letting you know where you stand. He was sharp, direct, and honest to a fault. If you didn’t want to know what he thought, you had better not ask.

With him, there was never any gray area, and he spoke loud enough that he knew he could be heard. Frank was an active member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Bucklesberry and was also a faithful member of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge for 51 years. Depending on who was speaking about Frank, you could hear him being called Frank, Linwood, Lin, or even Turtle. But perhaps his favorite name was PopPop. Family was his pride and joy, and there was no one that could compare to his grandkids. For them, he was a big teddy bear. Time spent with his two children was invaluable, and his 58-year marriage with Bobbie Jo was the highlight of his life.

A service to celebrate and remember Frank’s life will be held at Rouse Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 with Pastor Robert Flynn officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. The family requests that all attendees wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Bobbie Jo Laney; children, Frank Laney, Jr. and wife, Cathy, and Robbi Lynne Laney; grandchildren, Noah, Dylan, and Reagan; and siblings, Mary Alice Murray, Shirley Bonney, and Ann Clark. In addition to his parents,

Frank was preceded in death by his siblings, Mildred Spake, Marvin Laney, Perry Laney, and Betty Lou Laney. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, c/o Stanley Sutton, 1832 Sutton Shortcut Road, La Grange, NC 28551.