He has shown you,
O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.

Micah 6:8

LOUISBURG, NC -- Franklin Amasa Read, 92, of Louisburg, North Carolina, died peacefully at home on August 11, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Amasa Read, Sr. and Nannie Perry Read, his brother Perry and sister Rose, and his grandson Charles Franklin Harris.

Frank was born on October 11, 1932, in Wood, North Carolina. He and his siblings were deeply influenced by the example set by their parents, who instilled in them the importance of hard work, the value of education, treating all people with fairness, and serving the community to help make the world a better place.

On September 4, 1955, Frank married his beloved sweetheart, Rose Marie Dennis. Their marriage spanned nearly 70 years, during which they lovingly raised three children--Martha, Susan, and David--guided by the same values that shaped Frank's own upbringing.

Frank was a star basketball player and class president at Gold Sand High School. He began his college education at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia before transferring to Wake Forest University, where he earned a B.S. in History.

Over the course of his life, Frank built a career marked by integrity and dedication. He worked in the savings and loan industry during the first half of his career and later became a contractor, builder, and property manager, primarily in Franklin County. In both fields, he was known for his work ethic, fairness, and honesty.

A devoted member of Louisburg Baptist Church, Frank faithfully served wherever there was a need. His roles included Sunday School teacher, Church Council member, deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent. Frank was also a leader in the community, serving on the Town Council as Mayor Pro Tem and President of the Lions Club. Early in his adult life, Frank supported his country by serving in the National Guard.

Frank's family will remember him most for his calm presence under pressure, his unwavering moral compass, and his desire to help others. They will also deeply miss his goofy sense of humor and his quiet ability to care for everyone around him while making it all look effortless. Frank was a truly good man who showed his unconditional and steadfast love every day.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Dennis Read; his daughter, Martha Harris, and her husband, Charles; his daughter, Susan Read, and her husband, Hans Steinhuebel; and his devoted son and best friend, David Franklin Read. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Mann, and her husband, Jimmy Mann; his granddaughters, Caroline Russell, Camille Russell, and Molly Harris Keenan, along with her husband, Matthew Keenan; and his treasured great-granddaughters, Juni and Rose.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Louisburg Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, P.O. Box 730, Louisburg, NC 27549 or the Franklin County Library, 906 North Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549.

A service to celebrate Frank's life will be held at Louisburg Baptist Church, 302 North Main Street, Louisburg, NC, on Friday, August 22. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the service at 12 p.m.

A private committal service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery following the service.

Paid obituary