Mr. Frank Preston Simrill, Jr.

Frank Preston Simrill Jr, 74, of Columbia, died peacefully on Monday, August 16, 2021. Born on August 31, 1946, Frank was the eldest son of Frank Preston and Francis Sawyer Simrill. Frank lived a vibrant and faith-filled life at The Babcock Center in Columbia. Supported by steadfast caregivers for over 40 years at the Babcock Center, Frank served as president of People On the Go and Beta Club; offering his enthusiasm, grace, and humor to the educational, spiritual, and fellowship aspirations of Babcock. Frank, a loyal fierce and avid Gamecock fan, his voicemail recorded,” this is Frank Simrill Jr, voice of The Gamecock Network “. In spite of Frank’s physical blindness and cerebral palsy, he used his gift of singing, his spirit of praise to God, and his willingness to display courage. He was also playful and mischievous For over 50 years, Frank sang in churches, leaning on the edge of a pew, he beautifully intoned, “How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace,” followed by “When you Walk through a Storm Hold your Head up High”. Listeners passed handkerchiefs down the aisle, as Frank spoke and used his spiritual eyes to praise God as Creator and Friend. He inspired you to not be afraid of the dark through life’s storms. With his mischievous spirit, Frank robustly crooned “Your Cheating Heart Will Tell On You” at numerous family weddings; to the roar, delight and confusion of the wedding guests. Frank taught the power and gift of vulnerability. He showed us that we are here to help each other, live creatively and give dignity to one another regardless of our physical, mental, social, religious, and political differences. Frank is survived by his Babcock Center family; sisters, Francis Simrill McMeekin, wife of Cal McMeekin and Marion Landstreet Simrill, wife of Jim Mattern; brother, The Rev. Spenser Simrill husband of Stuart Simrill, aunt Nancy Simrill Landstreet; nieces, Mills McMeekin James (Mark), Eleanor Fuller (Chad), Callie Simrill, Helen Simrill (Kristian); nephews, Calhoun McMeekin (Melinda), Thomas McMeekin (Wynn), Taylor Bailey (Beth), Spenser Simrill, Jr, (Maggie) and Stephen Simrill. The memorial service for Frank will be held at 11 o'clock on August 31, 2021 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. Memorials may be made to The Babcock Center, P.O. Box 4389, West Columbia, S.C. 29171, or Urban Young Life, P.O. Box 5772, Columbia, S.C. 29250.

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Mr. Frank Preston Simrill, Jr.

August 31, 1946 - August 16, 2021