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Francis Marion Grate

1947 - 2016

BORN

1947

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Bounds Funeral Home

705 E Main St

Salisbury, Maryland

Francis Grate Obituary

Francis Marion Grate died on September 12, 2016 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. He was born in 1947 in Georgetown, SC where he grew up on Arcadia Plantation. He was the son of the late Francis Grate and Susan Gardner.

Frank was a man of faith and principle. He recently retired as vice-principal at Mardela Middle and High School. Prior to serving as an administrator, he had been a pupil personnel worker and English teacher for Wicomico County. He was a professional who especially enjoyed working with students.

He graduated from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a degree in English education and then from Salisbury University with a master's degree in English. Frank particularly liked to read his Bible and British literature.

Frank cherished his family and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Patricia Grate, and his stepsons, Mark and Scott Thomas (Diane) along with his grandchildren: Alex, Stephy, Alicia, and Morgan Thomas, and two great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings: Sylvia, Gladys, Patsy, Barbara, Josie, Sharon, and Lamont. In addition, he leaves to mourn cousins: Joe and Helen Grate, with whom he was raised and regarded as siblings, plus several aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 1st at 10:00 AM at Mardela Middle and High School and on Saturday, October 15th at 11:00 AM at Wilds' Chapel in Georgetown, SC.

The family has requested no flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to send letters of condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Georgetown Times on Sep. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Grate

Sponsored by Bounds Funeral Home.

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Shirley Pollar

October 1, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Grate family. I worked with him when he was VP at the Alternative School a few years ago. He ALWAYS had concern for his students. His contribution to the Wicomico County Board of Education will be deeply missed.

S Johnson-Pugh

September 28, 2016

Mr. Gates was a wonderful person. He cared about the students at Mardela Middle and High. He worked with my daughter while she was a student at Mardela. He had a passion for the children at the school and his role as an administer. Mr. Grate pushed the students to do their best. I was looking forward to working with him again next year when my son starts school at Mardela. It saddens me to know Mr. Gate will not be three. Mr. Gate will be missed by many.

Marie Hevner-Carras

September 27, 2016

I will miss Mr. Frank a lot because he always there for me and my grand daughter after my husband had passed away he was a awesome friend and neighbor. My prayers are with his family at this time of need

Penny Hevner

September 26, 2016

Mr. Frank and my neighbor will be greatly missed. He was a very friendly guy and was also there when my father passed away on August 19, 2003

Ruth Hobbs

September 17, 2016

Mr. Grate was a fantastic educator and vice principal. He was all about the students and making sure they were treated with respect and fairness. Mr. Grate was one of a kind! We have lost a fine man, a role model for our youth, and a talented and wonderful educator. RIP Mr. Grate.

Kisha Allen

September 16, 2016

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Grate passing. He was a good soul. He was always there to inform me on what was going on with my kids, good or bad and as a parent, I appreciated that! He will be missed. My prayers & thoughts goes out to his family.

Raven Moore

September 16, 2016

Mr.Grate was such a kind man. He was a huge help with my son and will always be remembered by our family as the amazing man he was. Thank you for everything Mr. Grate. Fly High!!! - The Moores

zelphia washington

September 16, 2016

I'm really going to miss my friend Chief, my childhood friend. Peace be with you. RIP.

Mary Lou Coffin

September 15, 2016

Mr. Grate was one of the most remarkable educators I encountered in more than 30 years of teaching. His intelligence, positive influence, and genuine concern for others are qualities that made him a rare gift to students and teachers alike. Thank you, Frank, for all of your support and wisdom over the years.

Anna Lee

September 15, 2016

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Grate's passing. When I was at Parkside , Mr . Grate and I worked together often when he substituted and when he worked at Choices . He was wonderful with staff and students . He always came in with a smile . May God bless you and your family .

Tamira Camphor

September 14, 2016

Only great words should be spoken when this man's name is mentioned. Mr. Grate... man this hit me like a ton of bricks. As a kid you meet so many teachers... some care, some could care less. Mr. Grate made certain that alternative school was an experience u wouldn't forget. I was there as a diciplinary action, but when I met this man... I learned what education was worth. I learned that self worth and recognition meant everything. I hope and pray that the Grate family be strong during their time of loss. I will continue to uplift you in prayer. Heaven has gained another angel.

Katy Manizade

September 14, 2016

We are devastated to hear of his death. A sweeter, kinder man did not exist on the earth. Rest in peace dear man, be thou at peace!

Linda Lynch

September 14, 2016

I am so thankful to have known you. I will always carry you in my heart. I am going to miss all of your wonderful advice, your caring personality and your unique but fair way of handling any situation you were faced with. RIP Mr. Grate, until we meet again ❤❤

Scarlett Burgess

September 14, 2016

My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.

Bruce Wolper

September 14, 2016

I love working with Frank. He was always a pleasure to see. He had a nice strong handshake and a great personality to match. I loved to watch him work with the kids. I remember working with him when I was a vice principal at Mardela and then at SMS. He will be missed by many.

Rylie Green

September 14, 2016

Why do the good ones die .

Tracey Florence-Martin

September 14, 2016

I am saddened by the news of Mr. Grate's passing. He was my boss at the Wicomico County Board of Education and a mentor to my son while he attended Mardela Middle and High School. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this wonderful man.

Susan Massey

September 14, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man! He has been a blessing to those who knew him.
May God give you peace and comfort during this time.

Judith Levron

September 13, 2016

Im really sorry for these lost, no one will ever be like u Mardela high school would never be the same with out you

Tiffannie Clark

September 13, 2016

So sorry to hear of Mr. Grates passing. He was such a good role model to all the kids at Mardela including my son. You will be greatly missed.

Meghan Ann

September 13, 2016

Mr.Grate was a great assistant principal and a great role model for many students at Mardela including myself. I will never forget how kind he was to everyone and all of the great advice he had to give. I'll miss his face at nutcracker performances as well. Rest easy Mr.Grate

Allison Foltz

September 13, 2016

Mr. Grate was such a nice man. My daughter went to Mardela and came home numerous times with funny stories about him. The kids loved him so much. At their senior baccalaureate this past may, Mr. Grate came to speak during the ceremony, as a surprise. We were all so touched that he made the effort to be there. He had some great advice as well. He even came to graduation, too, to hand out diplomas. It meant the world to these teenagers to be able to see him again. Sending prayers for his family, may you find comfort in knowing how much he touched the lives of numerous families at Mardela. Rest in peace Mr. Grate.

Nikki Clark

September 13, 2016

You made a big impact with my son during his first 2 years of middle school. You made him feel like what he was saying was important. MMHS will never be the same!

April Miller

September 13, 2016

one of my favorites back in my school days ... you will be missed Mr.Grate !! #RIP

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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Memorial Events
for Francis Grate

Oct

15

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Wilds’ Chapel

Georgetown, MD

Funeral services provided by:

Bounds Funeral Home

705 E Main St, Salisbury, MD 21804

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