| Francis M. Foster,
Sr. 2006 Honoree |
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| Dr. Francis Merrill Foster, Sr. is known for working his magic in the world of dentistry. The well-known Virginia dentist has been honored with countless awards for his achievements, but is best noted for his contributions to the Richmond, Va., community. Foster not only has showcased his expertise as a dentist but also as a history buff and even as a magician. Foster recalls a local dentist, Dr. James Chiles, who mentored him and his friends through sports and teaching them the importance of respect. While spending time with Chiles, Foster, then age 10, expressed an interest in dentistry. "I liked the oil of cloves smell of his dental office," said the Richmond native. "I began asking him questions about his dental instruments and things I saw in the office. He was a big influence on me." And the rest is history. |
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Foster completed his undergraduate work at Virginia Union
University and graduated from Howard University’s School of Dentistry.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and practiced dentistry in the
Philippines and Guam. After his stint in the military, he established his own
practice in Jackson Ward, the neighborhood where he spent his childhood. He
opened the practice in 1948 and closed it 41 years later in 1989.
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"It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice." |
Foster is noted for his vast knowledge of black and Richmond history. He is able to share his storytelling talents with people from different generations and walks of life.
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry professor has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Historic Richmond Foundation, Richmond School Board and Virginia Center for the Book. He has held appointments from seven Virginia governors for commissions and boards, including the Virginia Board of Dentistry and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Foster offers these magical words of wisdom to today’s youth: "It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice. There is no right way to do a wrong thing. Service to your community is the rent you pay on this earth."
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