FRANK PRIDE LAIDLER
Frank Pride Laidler, 90, affectionately penned "Doc" by his adopted father, was born on April 12, 1929, in Unadilla, Dooly County, Georgia. He was the second child of 12 children raised in a unique way by his father and mother, T.J. Cobb and Lydia Laidler Cobb. He departed this earthly life on Saturday, June 7, 2019, at his home.
Frank attended North Side Elementary School in Cordele, Georgia. After graduating the eighth grade, he moved to Florida to live with his cousin, Theodore Laidler, where he worked as a chef apprentice. He served one tour in the Korean War and 15 years in the United States Army Reserve. In the early 1950s, he migrated to Detroit, Michigan, joining the large influx of minorities seeking better employment. He was employed by Packard Motor Car Co. but got wind that Ford Motor Co. was offering an equal opportunity employment package that included a chief engineer test. "Doc" surprised Ford and passed the test and worked for Ford Motor Car Co. for 37 years in various positions as chief engineer, welder and plant manager. For years, he served as shop steward for their union, the United Auto Workers, and became a voting member of the executive board for Ford.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Susie Ritter Laidler; his children, Marilyn Laidler, Alton Ritter (Yolonda) and Debbie Ritter Smith; eight grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerome Peter Cobb; four sisters, Bertha Cobb Everett, Mary Pearl Cobb Cuspard, Diane Cobb Jacobs and LaJoyce Cobb Woolery (Randy); one aunt, Julie Mae Cobb; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the home, 1455 Morris Way Drive, Sumter.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with Bishop Jeffery Johnson officiating and Pastor Jannie Dingle, eulogist.
The funeral procession will leave at 1:20 p.m. from the home.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.