Dr. Paul Franklin Maness, Jr.

Dr. Paul Franklin Maness, Jr., known as Frank, passed away on March 8, 2026, after a valiant fight with interstitial lung disease. Born on August 30, 1951, in Burlington, North Carolina, to Dr. Paul Franklin Maness and Anne Barrow Maness, he grew up alongside his siblings Phil and Beth. Above all, Frank was a devoted family man who loved deeply and found his greatest joy in the people closest to him. He was a proud and loving father to his daughters, Anne and Caroline, and a cherished grandfather to Paul, Alanna, and Andrew. He shared a special bond with his great-nephews, Will and Connor Brannan, delighting in time spent together and creating lasting memories through simple family gatherings and everyday moments.

Frank shared a devoted partnership with the love of his life, Dr. Nona Breeland. Married for nearly 24 years, they met at the UNC Best of Dentistry Gala and became inseparable best friends, constant companions, favorite travel partners, and greatest supports. Their life together was filled with laughter, affection, and deep respect.

A respected dentist, Frank earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with honors from North Carolina State University, where he was elected to Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon, and Phi Kappa Phi. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 1979, earning the International College of Dentists Achievement Award, and completed advanced training at Denver General Hospital. He opened his private practice in Raleigh in 1980 and served patients for nearly four decades with professionalism and genuine care. Deeply committed to organized dentistry, he held leadership roles in the Raleigh Wake County Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, and various professional organizations, while volunteering at Missions of Mercy Clinics. His dedication was recognized through fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Academy of Dentistry International, International College of Dentists, and American College of Dentists.

Frank remained closely connected to UNC, serving on the Dental Alumni Association Board, and gave generously of his time to civic organizations, youth sports, his faith community, and the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club. He loved playing golf, snow and water skiing, traveling with Nona, attending theater and musical performances, and playing drums, pursuits that reflected his curiosity and joy in sharing life with those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Nona Breeland; daughters Anne Maness Whitney (Robert) and Caroline Maness; grandchildren Paul, Alanna, and Andrew; sister Beth Kelley (Tim) and her family; and extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phil.