Franklin R. Williams, Sr.

Franklin Roosevelt Williams, Sr., age 90, departed this life on Monday, September 21, 2026, leaving behind a family deeply grateful for his life, love, generosity, and legacy.

Born on January 20, 1936, Franklin lived a full and remarkable life spanning nine decades. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend whose generous heart touched generations of family and those fortunate enough to know him.

Franklin proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Army, including service with the Army Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his military career, he completed a tour in Germany with his family before relocating to Fort Lee, Virginia, in 1973, where he served as a Supply Instructor. His distinguished military service included receiving two Purple Hearts.

Following his retirement from the military, Franklin continued his commitment to serving others through his work at McGuire Veterans Hospital, where he later retired. He also pursued his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Leo University.

Franklin’s dedication to service and fellowship remained an important part of his life. He was a member of American Legion Post #2, VFW Post #622, and the James H. Threatt Men’s Club. He also attended First Baptist Church of Petersburg, Virginia.

Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, Franklin found great joy in caring for others and bringing people together. He loved tending to his garden, nurturing what he planted and generously sharing what he grew. He also made homemade preserves, which he consistently shared with family, friends, and others in his life.

Franklin loved to cook, and his food became another way he showed his care for people. His ribs, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pies became favorites among family and friends, who often requested that he prepare them for gatherings and special occasions.

He also loved opening his home and bringing people together. Family and friends gathered there to eat, laugh, fellowship, and simply enjoy one another. Whether it was a meal from his kitchen, something fresh from his garden, a jar of homemade preserves, a helping hand, or a place to gather, Franklin gave freely. Generosity was not simply something he practiced; it was part of who he was.

Franklin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Ruth Williams; his brother, Allen Williams of New Jersey; his sister, Daisey Oatman of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his brothers, Timothy McConnell of Columbia, South Carolina and Johnny McConnell of Blair, South Carolina.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Pamela Williams, Franklin Roosevelt Williams, Jr., and Robyn Williams; grandchildren, Tanya Smith, Ashley Williams Hillman (Brelan), Ruben Favors, Briana Jarrett (Malick), Heaven Blocker, and Joy Blocker; great-grandchildren, Victorea Smith, Taegan Smith, and Braylon Smith; and great-great-grandson, Noah Webster.

He is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Walker and Carolyn Glymph both of Columbia, South Carolina; brothers, Antonio Strother of Minnesota, Virgil Russell McConnell of Blair, South Carolina, and Franklin Goodwin of Columbia, South Carolina; along with extended family, loved ones, and many friends.

As his family mourns his passing, they also celebrate the extraordinary gift of 90 years of life. They remember a man who served his country with honor, dedicated his career to service, cultivated his garden, prepared food that brought people together, welcomed family and friends into his home, and generously shared what he had.

Franklin’s legacy lives on through the generations of family who carry his memory forward and through the values he demonstrated throughout his life: service, generosity, fellowship, family, and care for others.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, calls, visits, flowers, expressions of love, and many acts of kindness shared during this time of bereavement.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, October 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, and Rev. Kevin Williams, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6233834?fl=so&fe=fs