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Virginia Capitol C onnections, Summer 2015 29
Frank Hall
By Bernie Henderson
Readers of Capitol Connections are
aware of Frank Hall’s record of public
service in the House of Delegates, and any
who are not can easily access those facts
of his life. Those accomplishments alone
show that Frank’s life made a considerable
contribution to his constituents and our
entire Commonwealth, but those things are
just the tip of the iceberg in describing the
significance of this public servant.
At a relatively intimate gathering of
Frank’s friends on the evening before
Frank’s memorial service, Congressman Bobby Scott recalled
that Frank’s initiation into public service was as a member of Vice
President Hubert Humphrey’s staff, which began when Frank was
still a student. There is a strong thread of pure gold that was woven
through Frank’s life that started with that influence. Vice President
Humphrey was nicknamed “The Happy Warrior” and that applied
to Frank as well.
Perhaps the most eloquent quote from Hubert Humphrey is:
“The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the
dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the
aged; and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the
handicapped.” To know Frank Hall is to know that those sentiments
were indelibly etched on Frank’s heart. But he took them a step
further, beyond government, and made them the purpose of his life.
I treasure my friendship with Frank that goes back nearly
a decade before he first ran for elective office. It includes our
time together in the Richmond Jaycees in the early 1970s, when
he was President. His term wore us all out, but we were the most
contented exhausted young people one could ever see. He initiated
and accomplished an enormous list of projects that all focused on
addressing specific needs of segments of our community that most
of us had never even seen before. And Frank was leading the charge
in each of these projects.
Even after Frank’s service in public office, he was still actively
engaged in the community. He wouldn’t just let his name be
used for a cause, if his name was there, so also would he be there
leading by example. In our last project together, just last summer
and fall, I served under his leadership as Co-Chair for the Empty
Plate Luncheon to benefit programs for seniors in Richmond. Even
though a few of us knew Frank was battling illness, he never even
hinted at it and he refused to allow it to slow him down.
Frank didn’t just serve by holding elective office or leading
in many organizations and committees, he cared for and helped
individuals who could use his assistance. The one of many examples
of this that I will never forget is one that he allowed me to help
with. With utmost confidentiality, he would offer help to a friend or
acquaintance who was facing unemployment. He would assist them
in preparing their resume, provide personal references and arrange
interviews with prospective employers.
We will never forget that perfect hair, those gleaming teeth,
the unique voice that made it unnecessary for him to say who was
calling and that laugh like no other, but those trademarks are nothing
compared to the heart and soul of this man who devoted his life to
making the lives of others worth living.
Bernie Henderson is the President and Funeral Celebrant
at Woody Funeral Home.
Parking available adjacent to building
Phone 804-644-1702
FAX: 804-644-1703
E-Mail:
Web Site:
hen it comes to events no one
throws a party like David Napier.
Known throughout Central Virginia for his
wonderful food and hospitality, David is
delighted to have opened his catering facility in
the heart of Shockoe Bottom. No event is too
small or large. Delicious Box Lunches delivered.
O ne of Richmond’s most elegant dining
rooms is now exclusively available for your
private parties and special events. Our award
winning chefs produce an array of dishes from
steaks and seafood to vegetarian and
international masterpieces that will satisfy the
most discriminating palate. The Old City Bar
is the perfect place to celebrate.
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