Frank James Lineberger Jr.

Mr. Frank J. Lineberger, Jr., who served many life roles and was fondly called “Cokey”, “Dad” and “Big Pop”, was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was very proud to call the “Queen City” his home of origin. Frank was the second oldest child born to Mrs. Mattie Bost Lineberger and Mr. Frank James Lineberger, Sr. He and his three siblings (Joyce Lineberger Wallace, Jeffrey B. Lineberger, and Vincent E. Lineberger) were raised in a faith-based, caring, supportive, and community-centered household, which served as the foundation and driving forces of Frank’s entire life. His parents preceded him in death. Frank received his early and secondary education in the Mecklenburg County School system. He was very boastful of graduating from West Charlotte High School where he maintained connections with many classmates and others who attended this educational institution. Frank held numerous leadership roles during his high school years, which transcended throughout his adult life. He was also actively involved in several extracurricular activities, including becoming an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America and President of the Young Democrats in Charlotte during his high school years. Frank continued his education at Morehouse College and Georgia Perimeter College. He was truly a lifelong learner. With this focus as a framework, Frank’s longstanding career encompassed managerial and leadership roles in the trucking industry for numerous years where he was rapidly promoted, as his skills and talents were recognized. Frank also worked for the M&M Products Company in a leadership role, and later began a consulting business in transportation logistics and business development. During the past six years, Frank was a member of the Board of Directors for the Snapping Shoals Electrical Membership Corporation (EMC), where he represented District 3 of Dekalb County. His role as a Board Member evolved and became a pronounced passion for him. Frank evidenced his lifelong learning propensity and received all levels of training for his role as a Board member. He acquired the certification of Director’s Gold, which is the highest level of training, in an expedited timeframe. He also held several leadership positions on the Board, and for the past three years was Chairperson of the Board. Without a doubt, Frank was deeply committed to Snapping Shoals and all Board endeavors. He also worked for a number of years with Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, where his passion for work and commitment to this exceptional family organization were evident as well. Frank’s commitment radiated in every aspect of his life. His commitment to his wife, Marilyn Hazzard Lineberger, was quite evident and obvious during their 43 years of marriage. Frank and Marilyn shared a beautiful relationship with unbelievable fond memories and experiences. Their union produced two fantastic children, W. Nicole Lineberger James (spouse Tarvis James) and Frank (“Frankie”) James Lineberger, III (partner Yani Conner). His love and devotion to his children was remarkable and simply could not be measured! Then, along came Frank’s three grandchildren: Carter Trent James (the oldest) and Kylen Samir James (Nicole and Tarvis’ children), and Tokori Ameon Lineberger (Frankie and Yani’s son), as well as a special “embraced” grandchild, Rayani Conner. Frank then assumed the role as “Big Pop” and was the “Grandfather Extraordinaire”. He demonstrated unspeakable love for his grandsons, who had him simply wrapped around their little fingers! Frank was awesome as a “family man” in every role that he assumed. Frank also demonstrated his family commitment to his siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was known to “stay in touch” with them through multiple types of contacts (e.g., phone and social media). Frank was also an integral part of the “Hazzard and Lomax” families (Marilyn’s families), as he met these families in 1976 and they all embraced each other. Frank additionally had super strong Church families. After growing up and attending Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church in Charlotte through his early adult life, he joined Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1984. The intense bond of family expanded with this membership, and Frank held multiple leadership roles (including being a member of the Steward and Trustee Boards, Chair of the Lay Organization, and numerous committees) throughout the years at St. Paul. He loved St. Paul AME Church. Frank was also a member of the 100 Black Men of Dekalb County. He was active until his health began to fail several years ago. Yet he remained consistently devoted to this organization. Frank received our Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was a God-fearing man and well-anchored in his faith. He read his Bible, walked by faith, and prayed without ceasing. He was a devout believer. Frank leaves to embrace and cherish his memory an arsenal of people to include his wife, Marilyn, his children Nicole (Tarvis) and Frankie (Yani), his three grandsons (Carter, Kylen, and Tokori), his siblings (Joyce, Jeffrey, Vincent [his wife Elizabeth Oda Lineberger]), aunt, nieces and nephews, cousins, and many other extended family members. Also, Frank had very strong friendships that had expanded for years. All of these friends will hold Frank’s memories close to their hearts forever. Frank was welcomed into the gates of heaven by his parents, grandparents, his mother and father-in-law, as well as many family members and special friends. Oh, what a time this must have been on Friday, January 6, 2023. Frank was indeed an extraordinarily strong man who never complained, even when he was seriously ill. He served as a role model for how to manage a major and serious medical condition for almost 30 years. Frank’s gentle and supportive demeanor and his ingratiating smile will be missed by all who knew him. We all loved him so dearly, but God loved him best! Special Acknowledgements: • The entire Lineberger family would like to thank Dr. Patricia Glenn, MD for serving as Frank’s Primary Care Physician for the past almost 30 years. Dr. Glenn and her staff provided exceptional care and support to Frank over these expanded years, which certainly facilitated the management of his chronic illness during these years. • The Lineberger family would also like to thank Frank’s Emory Cardiology Team (including Dr. Andrew Smith, Dr. Angel Leon, Dr. Faisal Merchant, etc.), who provided care for the past almost 30 years in several different capacities as his heart disease progressed. • We would also like to thank the Emory University Hospital Neurosurgical ICU Team that cared for Frank during his final life phase. During this most difficult time, this team showed compassion and support, as well as extraordinary healthcare. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to 100 Black Men of America-DeKalb County Chapter and American Heart Association-Atlanta

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Frank James Lineberger Jr.

August 3, 1954 - January 6, 2023