F. W. Poates

F. W. Poates, 93 of Powhatan, Virginia, former Principal of Midlothian High School, passed from this life, December 9, 2024. He is survived by his son, Wayne Poates; 2 nieces; 2 nephews; 3 cousins and their families. He was born May 11, 1931 in Woodford, Caroline County, VA. The family eventually moved to Courtland, VA where he played high school football and graduated from Courtland High School. After college he served in the newly formed U. S. Airforce during the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Captain. A graduate of Randolph Macon College, Ashland, VA. where he played runningback for their football team. He began his educational career teaching math and chemistry in the Chesterfield County Public School system at Manchester and then Thomas Dale High Schools. Upon earning his master's degree in education from the University of Richmond, he became the assistant principal & principal of Elkhardt Middle School and then Principal of Midlothian High School. He was a huge fan of sports, high school and professional. Midlothian High School’s football field is named in his honor. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, going after quail, deer, turkey, and even traveling to De Smet, South Dakota for pheasant. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orie H. Poates and Louise Fraughnaugh Poates; Edith Frame Poates, his wife of 49 years; and his second spouse, Linda Hague Poates of 8 years. The family greatly appreciates the love, care and concern that Frank received while he was in the care of Anchored in Peace, Powhatan, VA. The family will receive friends Friday, January 10 2025 from 3:00 pm to 6:30 PM in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home in Powhatan. A service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, 2:00 PM at Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian VA 23114. A private interment will be held at Amelia Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tanzanian Well Fund, c/o Thomas Chapel Methodist Church, Cartersville, VA, 23027, where he was a member, or to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com