Manager's Message

As a general manager and someone who cares deeply about those I work with, these are the types of columns that are extremely difficult to write and hit home all too hard. It is with a heavy heart that we at Central Electric are remembering the unexpected loss of one of our very own. 

Central Board Member, Frank Comer, or Frankie as we all knew him, unexpectedly passed away on June 27. For those who knew and worked with him, he was a joy to be around and an individual of outstanding character and values. He was one of the most hardworking and caring individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and work alongside.
Frankie spent his entire 48-year career in the tool-and-die industry and had recently retired in March of this year from Biomerics in Mebane. In addition to his full-time career, Frankie was an avid farmer, raising and tending cattle as well as a garden that he so generously shared with the community. 

He was also a strong pillar in the community, growing up and serving in the Lee County and Cameron communities. He attended and served his church, Cameron Baptist, with all of his heart. Over the years he served in many different roles, including Chairman of the Deacons, Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and children’s group leader.

Not only was he a great person and member of the community, but on top of all that he was also a great Board Member and representative of this co-op. Frankie was first elected to the Board in 1999, faithfully representing District 1 in Lee County for 25 years. Throughout his entire service on the Board, he was dedicated to this co-op and its members. During his time on the Board, Frankie earned the Director Gold Credential which recognizes a director’s ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty.

When Frankie was laid to rest on June 30 at his home church, it was one of the most touching services I’ve ever attended. It speaks volumes about an individual when for an entire hour during the service, friends, family members and members of his community stood up and reminisced about all of the times Frankie had been there for them, had done something to help them during a difficult time, or was just simply an active and caring person in their life. It honestly was a “celebration of life” in all of its meaning. Frankie touched and had a direct impact on so many people. It was a celebration and remembrance of the great person he was.

Frankie was a tremendous leader, husband, father and member of this community. While he will be profoundly missed, his legacy and the impact he left on so many of us will continue to live on for many years to come.