FRANCIS LYNN

It is with deep sadness that the family of Francis Waytman Lynn announce his peaceful passing on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at the age of 96.

Affectionately known as “Pawpaw,” “Pops,” “Frankie” and “Frank” to many, Francis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great uncle, friend, historian, and educator who leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and storytelling.

Born Sept. 19, 1928, Francis graduated from ParryMcCluer High School in 1946 and received his B.A. in French from Washington and LeeUniversity in 1950.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from Aug. 7, 1950, to June 29, 1954, attaining the rank of sergeant. Using his language skills as a listener and code breaker during the Korean War, Francis was primarily stationed outside Oberammergau Germany. He and his wife Alice traveled back to visit Germany and Switzerland several times as he had fallen in love with the people, culture and beautiful countryside.

Following his military service, Francis declined an opportunity to join a then new secret agency now known as the NSA. Instead, he devoted his life to education, going on to obtain his M.Ed. in English education from the University of Virginia in 1959.

Francis continued to study, teach and inspire students and fellow educators with enthusiasm. Many say he was the “best teacher I ever had.” He was dedicated to ensuring each student felt valued while instilling curiosity about the world through foreign languages and English as a second language.  During his career as a county supervisor, Vietnamese refugees inspired him to create one of the first ESL programs for the growing Prince William County School System. 

Francis was the definition of a servant leader and ingrained those values in his family. Church and following God were pillars in his life. He was a deacon and ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church for many years. 

In addition to his work as an educator, Francis had a great love of music. He held a permanent seat in the church choir, worshiping God through music. He fell in love with barbershop singing when he and three other officers formed a quartet during his time in the Air Force. For the next 70 years, he harmonized in choruses and quartets with friends, singing regularly until just a few weeks before his death. Hymn sings nights were one of his favorite events while in assisted living. It was rare to catch him not humming or mumbling a tune, as music was a constant companion in his life. His enthusiasm for and appreciation of music has brought joy and inspiration not only to him, but to all those around him.

Francis had a profound appreciation for history, particularly that of Virginia. He devoted himself to preserving the rich stories of Buena Vista and its surrounding areas, believing that understanding one’s heritage is essential to appreciating the present. His dedication to documenting local history was evident in his personal works, including “The Bud Not Yet Blossomed – A Historical Commemorative Booklet” and “Fesser McCluer: The Life and Times of J. Parry McCluer.” Through these writings, he captured the essence of his community, sharing tales that connected the past with the present. Francis took great pride in educating others about their roots, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the community.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alice, and his first grandson, Derek, the son of Mike and Suzanne, who passed away on Sept. 1, 2023.

He is survived by his son Mike, his wife Suzanne, and their daughters Makenzie and Megan. He is also survived by his daughter Mary, her husband Alvin, and their sons Ethan and Andrew and Andrew’s wife Mary. Special friend Mike Guinn, affectionately known as “running Mike” and one of Francis’s closest friends, is appreciated by the Lynn family for his loving dedication and friendship. Francis also leaves behind several nieces, great nieces, cousins and countless other dear friends.

Francis’s legacy of service and love of family, history and education will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. His impact on the community and his family will be remembered with warmth and admiration.

The Lynn family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers of the Blue Ridge ChristianHome and Dr. John Marsh for their exceptional empathy, compassion, and care for not only Francis but the entire family over the past few years. Their kindness, love and support will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church. The family will begin to receive guests at 10 a.m. Following the service, all are invited to a reception at Art on Magnolia in downtown Buena Vista to celebrate Francis. A private interment will be held at GreenhillCemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Francis’s memory to the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church and the Francis Lynn scholarship at Parry McCluerHigh School awarded annually to a graduating senior who plans to major in education.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.