Franklin, Van Webb

The Rev. Van Webb Franklin, 103, was reunited with the love of his life, Virginia S. Franklin, on March 24, 2013. He was born in Carroll County on August 31, 1909, to the late William Robert and Emma Elizabeth Hall Franklin. He lived in Dublin, but he spent his final two years at the Kroontje Health Care Center in Blacksburg. He was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth; eight brothers, Elmer, Coy, Charlie, Sam, Virgil, Jeff, Glenn, and Joseph (Mutt); and sons-in-laws, W. Edd Mabry and Curtis E. Elkins. He is survived by his brother, Quentin; children, Joseph Van and wife, Doris Wood Franklin, of Fort Myers, Fla.; Wilma Mabry, of Blacksburg; Dorothy Elkins of Hinton, W.Va.; eight grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. He was most grateful to his grandchildren, Patti Mabry and Vincent Hanna, Terry and Stephanie Elkins; for their love and devotion throughout the years; and his special friend and antique buddy, Jerry Gallaher. The Rev. Franklin worked at the Lynchburg Foundry and was a minister for fifty years with the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was also a member of the Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A special thank you to the staff of the Cove at the Kroontje Health Care Center and Pastor Gary McCoy for the love and special care they gave to our Dad. Funeral services will be conducted 4 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with the Rev. Gary McCoy and the Rev. David Kingston officiating. Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013, at the Appalachian Conference Cemetery, Dublin. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 240 Watson Ave., Blacksburg, VA 24060. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.