Obituary of Wayne Harvey Franklin

Wayne H. Franklin, 69, of Roanoke passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 10, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman D. and Lillian Thacker Franklin; grandmother, Ruth Thacker; favorite uncle, Donald (Uncle Jesse) Thacker; and a special aunt with whom he shared a birthday, Jean Dadamio. Wayne was known as a devoted husband,father, grandfather and true southern gentleman. He was an avid reader with a special love of history, airplanes and the New York Yankees. He was a graduate of William Fleming High School, National Business College and served four years in the U S Air Force. He retired as the accounting, sales and service manager at Fred Whitaker Company after 32 years of service. Wayne was a member of and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Surviving is his wife of 42 years, Linda Liparulo Franklin; son, Chris Franklin and wife Samantha; daughter, Gina Franklin Simpson and husband Daniel; grandson, Nicolas Scott Franklin; sister, Ann Mundy and husband Roger; aunt, Jane Franklin and her dear friend Audrey; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to St. Andrew's Catholic Church or to the American Heart Association. A prayer service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Simpson Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be conducted 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Interment will be 11 a.m. Thursday, in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707