In Memoriam: Franklin Dewey Veal Jr.

A ‘Joyful Trickster’ with a Passion for Education

Franklin Dewey Veal Jr. (August 23, 1930 –September 10, 2023), known simply as Frank to most but as Uncle Dewey to family, was a man who had a remarkable impact on the lives of those around him. Born in Troy, Alabama, and later residing in Montgomery and Pell City, his life was characterized by a unique blend of humor, compassion, and a deep commitment to his family as a caregiver to several siblings who predeceased him, education, and charitable causes.

Veal had a knack for spreading joy and laughter wherever he went. His niece, Sue Veal Carlton, described him as “a fun person” who loved to play tricks and had a hearty laugh. One of the quirkiest stories about Veal was his time spent raising turkeys and walking them on a leash around his neighborhood – a testament to his playful spirit.

But beneath the humor was a man who believed in precision and exactness, likely influenced by his military service. When it came to his charitable endeavors and the memorial scholarship endowment he established at the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences in honor of his brother Will, Veal was clear about his intentions. He wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

He succeeded admirably.

The son of a schoolteacher and a tenant farmer, Veal and his six siblings had a modest upbringing, but Carlton notes that education held a special place in Veal’s heart. He served as an education specialist in the U.S. Air Force, earning a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees while in service. “The only reason he didn’t finish his Ph.D. is because he didn’t want to write the paper,” Carlton said with a laugh. Veal often delivered inspiring speeches at citizenship ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of the flag and the values it represented. “A patriot and a southern gentleman,” as Carlton describes him.

His contributions to the Air Force Communication and Education Association (a global organization comprised of members from all military branches and the corporate world with a focus on education) and his efforts to promote STEM education in

Alabama showcased his commitment to learning and teaching. One of Veal’s most notable contributions was his investment in robotics programs for schools. He worked tirelessly to provide proper equipment and training to nine underserved schools in Montgomery County, helping students explore the world of robotics. He donated to schools in St. Clair County, where his retirement home was located, to support STEM-related programs. He even reached out to help service members suffering from PTSD at the Warrior Ranch outside Columbus, Georgia. His $100,000 donation to the Red Cross after Hurricane Ian showed his dedication to helping those in need. But Veal’s giving spirit extended even further. He donated funds toward 3D printers for a school in Grant, Alabama, providing students with valuable skills for jobs straight out of high school. He ensured that students with dyslexia in southern Kentucky had access to a summer program, and even supported a farm-to-table initiative which taught valuable life skills to grow produce and get it to market. Veal’s niece, Carlton, summed it up perfectly, saying, “He spread his money far and wide. He never expected to have any money at all. That’s not the way he grew up. But he knew how to save, and he knew how to find the need, serve it, and make it count.”

Veal’s hope was simple yet profound: to empower individuals through education. He believed that knowledge had the power to transform lives, and he dedicated himself to that cause.

In 2019, Veal established the Dr. Willis Dekalb Veal Memorial Scholarship Endowment at CEHHS through a whole life insurance policy earned through his service in the U.S. Air Force. It was a tribute to his beloved brother who earned his master’s (’68) and doctorate in education leadership (’76) from FSU and taught American history, government, and economics at Florida State University Schools and at the College. Through this endowment, he ensured that future generations of students would have the opportunity to follow in his brother’s footsteps, armed with ethics, a sense of humor, and a passion for teaching.