FRANCO, Ramon Sr.

Ramon Franco, Sr., 38, of Christiansburg, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2006.

He was a son of the late Miligros and Cecilio Franco and was a devoted husband and father. Surviving family include his wife, Betty Franco; son, Ramon Franco, Jr.; stepson, Matthew Cruz; big brother, Cecilio Franco, Jr. and brothers Tony and Lito; sisters, Maria, Iris and Marisol; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. We all love and will miss him dearly.

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with a remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, These things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you sunshine for tomorrow.
My life has been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, and a lovers touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it more with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wanted me, now I’m free.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 9, 2006, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A service and burial will take place in Puerto Rico at a later date.