Franklin G. Shuler

SANTEE - Franklin Grady Shuler passed away on June 4, 2012, at his home after a long illness. He was born on April 8, 1925 in Bowman, as the oldest son of Brown Grady Shuler and Bessie Felkel Shuler. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Earlyne Mattox Shuler. Frank was one of five children, Georgia S. Aronstamm of Southbury, CT, the late Quintilla S. Ripley of Charleston, the late Woodfin E. Shuler of Seaford, DE, and Archibald F. Shuler, M.D. of Clarksville, TN. He attended Bowman High School and, shortly after graduating in 1942, enlisted in the United States Navy. His desire to fly was thwarted by colorblindness, but he went on to become a member of the second class of the Scouts and Raiders, the Navy's first special warfare commandos, and forbearers of today's Navy SEALs. He served with the Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO) in the China-Burma-India theatre. Frank was discharged from the Navy as a Gunner's Mate, First Class, on December 24, 1945. The fitness principles he learned as a Scout and Raider served him well in later life, as he continued to walk up to 10 miles a day until age 84. After being discharged, Frank enrolled in the University of South Carolina's Pharmacy/Pre-Med program. It was there that he discovered his life's two true loves: Gamecock athletics and his wife, Earlyne. He and Earlyne were married on June 3, 1948 and he graduated from USC in 1949. He became a Registered Pharmacist in 1950 and maintained his license until he was 86 years old. Frank had a varied career in pharmacy, starting at Wannamaker's Pharmacy in Orangeburg. He joined the Upjohn Company in 1952 and remained there until his retirement in 1987. He was in sales until 1970 at which time he became a Medical Science Liaison for the company. As a MSL, Frank helped establish clinical studies of new medications and would relay the results of studies to teaching hospitals throughout the country. It was during this time that he became a member of the National Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association. Service to community was the hallmark of Frank's retirement years, as he served as president of the South Carolina affiliate of the American Diabetes Association, and later three times as president of the South Carolina District Exchange Club. During retirement, he loved living at Folly Beach, but returned to his native Orangeburg County in 2002. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his only daughter, Beth Shuler Patrick, and his four sons, Franklin G. Shuler, Jr. (Jane), Homer L. Shuler (Pam), Eric E. Shuler, and Kirk S. Shuler (Miriam). He is survived by ten grandchildren, Robert W. Patrick, Charles E. Shuler, Erica Shuler Hagel, G. Mattox Shuler, Franklin G. Shuler III, Carolyn F. Shuler, Frances E. Patrick, Garrett S. Shuler, Cameron S. Shuler, and Carson P. Shuler, and five great-grandsons. The family wishes to thank the Grove Park Hospice and Joan Lewis for the loving care given during Frank's/Dad's last days. There will be a graveside funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday at Island Cemetery, North Providence Community, Santee. In lieu of flowers, donations may made be made to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Ln., Columbia, SC 29210. Avinger Funeral Home of Holly Hill is assisting the family.