Obituary: Francis Grover 'Frank' Darsey Jr.

Francis Grover “Frank” Darsey Jr., 78, of Ellijay, Ga., and formerly of Longboat Key, died Oct. 15.

Born in Winter Haven, he spent his early years living on Longboat Key and graduated from Sarasota High School.

Mr. Darsey built a career primarily in the soft-drink business, working in Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia for Canada Dry and its local affiliates, Hunt Wesson Foods, Bubble Up and PepsiCo. He retired from Southeast Atlantic Corp. to pursue his sports photography business full time. He photographed Little League, high school and professional sports in Georgia and adjoining states.

Mr. Darsey was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Buckley Darsey, in January 2011. He is survived by five children from his first marriage, four grandchildren, sister Sarah Darsey Avary and brother Leonard Darsey.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Manasota Memorial Park, 1221 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, with an opportunity for visitation with friends and family immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, michaeljfox.org.