Bluefield, WV……….William R. "Billy Ray" Franklin, age 79 of Bluefield, WV died Thursday, April 28, 2016, one day shy of his 80th birthday at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV.
Born April 29, 1936 in Pittsylvania County he was a son of the late Edgar Morris Franklin, Sr. and Nettie Simpson Franklin. He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys Neal Franklin; and a brother, Edgar Morris Franklin, Jr. Mr. Franklin was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church in Bluefield, WV, attended Bridgewater College, Danville Technical Institute, and served four years in the US Navy. He retired from Appalachian Power Company after 28 years of service. Mr. Franklin loved to fix anything mechanical or electrical, enjoyed visiting Smith Mountain Lake, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Franklin-Butler and husband, Arthur Butler, Jr. of Germantown, MD and Susan Franklin-Smith and husband, Marc Smith of Gretna; and two grandchildren, Arthur Butler III and Ashley Butler.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Colbert-Moran Chapel by Rev. R.G. Rowland. Burial will follow in Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence of his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Marc Smith, 703 South Main Street, Gretna.
A memorial service will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at College Avenue Baptist Church, located at 1906 Jefferson St. Bluefield, WV, by Pastor Norm Arrington.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to College Avenue Baptist Church.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.