Frank Joseph Svoboda

Mr. Svoboda, 87, passed away at Davis Regional Medical Center on June 3, 2015 from a sudden illness.  He was born on December 2, 1927 in Berwyn, IL to the late Frank (Sr.) and Alice Svoboda.   Mr. Svoboda graduated from Crane Tech High School in Chicago, IL and Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL.  He served in the US Coast Guard for fourteen months following WWII.  Mr. Svoboda spent the majority of his professional career in the textile industry and retired in 1997 as President of Blue Ridge Products in Hickory, NC.  Prior to that he worked in executive positions in sales, marketing and management at several companies including Reeves Brothers, Inc., Foamex and Hickory Springs Mfg. Co.  Throughout his career, he was active and held leadership positions in several industry associations. Mr. Svoboda was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Statesville for the past 42 years where he served as a ruling elder, usher and member of a Pulpit Nominating Committee.  Frank enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Men’s Golf Association at Statesville Country Club for over 30 years.  He loved the outdoors, especially when rambling in the fields and woods with his buddies while dove, duck and deer hunting.  He was a proud member of the Davis Regional Medical Center Volunteer Association where he volunteered in the Fitness Center.  Frank received his 500 volunteer hours pin this week during his most recent hospitalization. Mr. Svoboda married the former Margret Elinore May on May 12, 1961 who preceded him in death on November 30, 2010.  He is survived by his daughters Marla Ann Svoboda and fiancé Jon Payne of Evans, GA and Marcy Svoboda Doak and husband, Travis of Charlotte, NC; sister Carol Svoboda McCullough (Jim) of Ingleside, IL; and five grandchildren Bobby, Emma and Walker Nelson of Evans, GA and Abby and Max Doak of Charlotte, NC.  Also left to cherish his memory is Ann Boggs, Frank’s devoted companion of the previous 3 years.  He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Svoboda Raw (Cecil) of Ingleside, IL.  A memorial celebration of Mr. Svoboda’s life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville with the Revs. Steve Scott and Grant Sharp officiating.  Visitation will immediately follow the service in the church Fellowship Hall.  Interment will follow at a later date with the immediate family. Frank is remembered as a compassionate and steadfast husband, father, Gramps and friend.  His life experiences made him an engaging storyteller, and he gave freely of himself so others could enjoy and realize more than they ever imagined.  Frank’s favorite quote was: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: “It might have been!’”  He lived a full and accomplished life with no regrets, and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC  28625 or First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting Street, Statesville, NC  28677. The family wishes to thank the physicians, ICU nursing staff and respiratory therapists at Davis Regional Medical Center as well as the emergency first responders for their exemplary care of Mr. Svoboda and his family during his brief illness. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving Mr. Svoboda’s family. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com .