Frank Walls, 83, of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Kingston of Ashland after an extended illness.
Born June 4, 1939, in Earling, West Virginia, he was the son of Virgil and Lucille Walls.
“There are no strangers in life – just people you haven’t met yet,” was more than just a phrase but a way of life for Frank Walls. Frank was known for his love of people and those around him.
He had a special way of getting to know others in meaningful ways and making lifelong bonds. Even at a restaurant, he would invite those sitting by themselves to join him. His children couldn’t go anywhere without hearing “I know your Dad.”
Frank was known for his homemade peanut butter fudge and enjoyed giving it to everyone he knew. Frank loved being around others, and his family and friends loved being with him.
John 13:34 reads “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Frank was in the business of loving others. From the kindness he showed to strangers to the deep love and devotion he poured on his family, he made sure those around him were well loved, most of all, the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Linda Walls.
He was married May 16, 1964 and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and papa.
Frank moved from West Virginia to Mansfield in middle school and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1957. Though he left his home state of West Virginia, he always held it in his heart and enjoyed the mountains and memories of life and family in his hometown.
Frank’s career as a meat cutter started with Sternbaum in 1955 and later at T&A Saveway, ending with FoodTown for a total of 46 years, retiring in 2001. Even after all these years, he would remember customers and what they liked. He made numerous friendships in his time at T&A which continued for many years.
It was here at T&A that Frank first met Linda, his future wife, and they would raise four children together. Frank served as a baseball coach and assisted with Boy Scout troops when his boys were young. He attended Berean Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Ramsey) of Mansfield; his three sons, Brian (Maria) Walls of Painesville, Brad (Abbey) Walls of Apple Valley, Greg Walls of Butler, and his daughter, Kristi (Tim) Lord of Mansfield, and his 11 grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Grace Walls, Faith Walls, Josh Walls, Katelyn (Ray) Hernandez, Zack (Ericka) Walls, Andrew Walls, Rachel Lyon, Kristen (Joe) Petty, Sarah Walls, Olivia Lord, Jake Lord and nine great-grandchildren; his two brothers Charles (Julie) Walls of Burton, MI and Dennis (Jeanette) Walls of Marblehead, OH; his sister Sharon Owen of Midland, TX; his sister-in-law Cynthia Ramsey of Loudonville, brother-in-law Skip (Jane) Ramsey of Indianapolis, IN, brother-in-law Rick Ramsey of Bellefontaine; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Lucille, father and mother-in-law (Chet and Ruth Ramsey), brother-in-law (Jim Ramsey), brother-in-law (Walter Owen), sister-in-law (Kathy Ramsey) and daughter-in-law (Jamie Walls).
Family and friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, 2553 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH 44904. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28 at Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Rd, Mansfield, 44904. Pastor Bill Heaton will preside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greater Cleveland Youth for Christ (709 Brookpark Rd LL1, Cleveland, OH 44109), Berean Baptist Church (2145 Middle Bellville Rd, Mansfield, OH 44904) and Richland Pregnancy Services (1560 W 4th St, Mansfield, OH 44906).
Share a message of support with the Walls family – and watch Frank’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
