Beloved metro Atlanta doctor and improv actor dies of COVID-19

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — People are remembering a beloved doctor who treated patients for COVID-19 before the virus took his life.

Channel 2′s Tom Jones learned that Dr. Frank Lockwood was known for his medical skills -- but also his acting skills.

Lockwood practiced medicine in Henry County and was a legend in the improv acting community at the Village Theater.

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Lockwood's fellow actors shared hilarious stories about him on stage. They said he was a shining light and could help heal people with his talent.

"I think he got joy out of seeing other people smile," friend Chris Claibough said.

Claibough said Lockwood was the kind of person who spend every waking moment of his life helping people find joy and good health -- even when his own health was failing. Claibough said Lockwood consoled him when he found out he had COVID-19, and told him to what do -- even as he was battling the virus himself.

"He then casually mentioned that he's had COVID for almost a week now," Claibough said. "Frank would have COVID-19 and then find out you had it and then do what he could in his power to help you."

Lockwood tried to fight off the coronavirus for six weeks, but died from it.

The Village Theater paid tribute to Lockwood with a banner on its page.

Fellow actor Michael King said Lockwood was everyone's friend and everyone's doctor.

"This guy's impact in life ," King said. "I don't think we will ever know." He gave himself to the world, and the world got to take him."

Anthony Russo had only known Lockwood a few months, but said he made a huge impact on him. Russo met Lockwood when he joined Russo's online movie review comedy show after COVID-19 shut everything down.

"You don't realize how much impact somebody's gonna have in such a short period of time, " Russo said. "If it wasn't for COVID, I probably would not have met Frank."

Russo said that before Lockwood died, everybody was praying for a miracle.

Lockwood leaves behind a husband and many friends, family and patients who loved hi.

New COVID-19 mega-testing site now open near Atlanta airport Fulton County Commissioners said they hope to test thousands daily.

Cox Media Group