Trustee Emeritus S. Frank Blocker, Jr., Remembered as a Businessman and Generous Benefactor
Longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee S. Frank Blocker, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2020. Frank was the owner of Eastern Auto Distributors and founder of the Blocker Foundation, which supports numerous charitable organizations.
He became a member of the VWU Board of Trustees in 1990, serving until he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2007. Frank also served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council, chairing the group from 1989 to 1990, and as a member of the 25th Anniversary Campaign Steering Committee from 1986 to 1991.
Virginia Wesleyan’s S. Frank and Wilma Williamson Blocker Hall was named in his parents’ honor in 1992, recognizing Frank’s generous contributions to the University. He continued to provide gifts to upgrade the building’s labs to keep them modern and current. His generosity also funded the Frank Blocker Youth Center, which opened on VWU’s campus in 2017. The Frank Blocker Youth Center is a 6,600-square-foot space containing classrooms, a large multi-purpose area, offices, a reception area, a kitchen and an outdoor amphitheater with stage.
Frank Blocker’s legacy and commitment to Virginia Wesleyan through service and investment will forever be a part of the University’s rich history.
The Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society recognizes individuals who have arranged for a deferred gift to the University through their estate plans. For a confidential conversation about including the University in your estate plans, contact Lori Harris '94 at 757.233.8786 or lharris@vwu.edu. For a listing of our members, please visit our website.
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