When you think about education in Thomasville, there is one name that resonates with true respect – Mr. Frank Delaney. Delaney, affectionately referred to as Poppa D, has garnered the level of respect and admiration that few educators ever attain, as he has influenced countless students throughout Thomas County. With a career that spans more than 40 years and a reputation that truly precedes him, Delaney has cast an indelible mark across entire families where both parents and children alike look up to and admire him. One doesn’t need to look far to find someone in Thomasville who will speak highly of Poppa D with both love and respect.
Delaney grew up on Pebble Hill Plantation and credits the late Pansey Poe, Pebble Hill’s then-owner, with helping him to see the value of a college education and also ensuring that he was able to receive one. He graduated high school from Washington Consolidated High School in Cairo and then went on to graduate from Albany State College. He later earned a Master of Education degree from Valdosta State College.
While Delaney’s contributions to local education are great, he has also been recognized as the NAACP Man of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Man of the Year, Thomas County Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Kiwanian, and winner of the Kiwanis President’s Prerogative Award and Legion of Honor Award for 25 years of active membership as a Kiwanian.
The City of Thomasville salutes Mr. Frank Delaney for his contributions to Thomasville and the countless young citizens he provided guidance, leadership, and friendship to throughout his many years of service to the Thomas County School System.