Ralph Franklin

Ralph Aras Franklin, 82, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at his residence. He was the son of the late Aras William and Marie Virginia Bradford Franklin, and was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Marshall and Florence Spiva, and a brother, Richard Franklin. Mr. Franklin served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and later in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired Civil Service employee at Ft. Lee, Virginia. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and woodworking in his garage. Mr. Franklin is survived by his wife, Bettie Franklin; a son, Steven Dwayne Franklin and wife Alice of Yorktown; a daughter, Deborah Lee Wolters and husband Larry of Florida; sisters, Lucille Mitchell of Colonial Heights, and Phyllis Kay Milburn of Newport News; four grandchildren; a loving and devoted niece, Anne Vedomske; and caregivers, Betty Hinchey, Helen Puckett, Sandy Addison, and Melissa Callis. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 3, 2008 at Sunset Memorial Park, Chester with the Rev. Robin Lester officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, Virginia 23058 or the Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, P.O. Box 3401, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.