Manly Lucas

Manly Walker Lucas, 82, of Sanford, passed away Saturday February 27, 2021. A Public drive-through visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 3rd at First Baptist Church from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.  A private family memorial service will be held. Mr. Lucas was born in Sanford, the youngest child son of the late R. Paul Lucas, Sr. and May Snipes Lucas. He was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Ann Lucas and R. Paul Lucas, Jr. Manly was a graduate of Sanford Central High School in 1956 where he played football and participated in the school band. He continued his music and arts education at Campbell University, Richmond Professional Institute (now known as Virginia Commonwealth University), the Boston Conservatory of Music, and the Berklee School of Music in Boston.  Mr. Lucas spent several years playing in jazz clubs in and around Boston. He also worked at the Harvard Club in Boston, performed at The Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, and in the Catskills in New York. Manly was a life long active member of First Baptist Church, a Choir member, and also has been a member of the Hand Bells Choir. Mr. Lucas began teaching in 1972 at Jonesboro Middle School where he was first introduced to Emily Foster, who he would marry in 1975. In thirty years of teaching with the Lee County School System, Mr. Lucas taught  Humanities courses, Vocal Methods, Art, and Creative Writing. He spent decades  involved in the production of the East Lee yearbook. He volunteered in the community with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and as a cellist with the Lee County Community Orchestra. He would occasionally arrange pieces for the Orchestra as well. Mr. Lucas is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Emily Foster Lucas; sons Joseph Benjamin Lucas (Martha), and Manly Andrew Lucas (Anna); daughter, Mary Catherine Lucas Crook (Andrew); five grandchildren, Brinkley Catherine Lucas, Chesley Walker Lucas, Joseph Michael Lucas, Maggie May Lucas, and Foster Grace Lucas. Memorial contributions can be made to Lee County Community Orchestra Association, PO BOX 3174, Sanford, NC 27331, In Memory of Manly Lucas.