Franklin Harmon Harris Sr., 78, of Hampton, Virginia was born on May 14, 1940 in Gary, West Virginia to the late Susie Mae and Wert E. Harris. He departed this life on January 3, 2019 at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia.
Franklin attended Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He later served in the U.S Army from 1959-1965, then continued his career as an employee of the Newport News Shipyard, where he worked as an Engineer for 32 years. While at the shipyard, he attended Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia. He was very devoted and active in his community as he spent some years as a recreational Basketball and Football coach. Franklin was a mentor to many, he was a selfless person that often put his concerns of others before his own. A doting husband and father, Franklin married Leola, April 14, 1964. His hobbies consisted of gardening, buying and repairing old cars and attending estate sales. Most of all he enjoyed attending annual Harris family reunions on Fudge Road in Tazewell, Virginia. where he was not “Frank” but “Gussy”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Susie Mae and Wert Harris; three brothers; William, John and David Harris; and two sisters, Barbara Edith Harris Davis and Lillian Johnson.
Franklin is survived by his wife, Leola Harris; daughters, Angela Roland and Carleathia Archie; sons, Anthony, Franklin Jr. and Gregory Harris; two brothers, Alfred and Garrett Harris; nine grandchildren; LaMont, TeNale and ShaDae Roland, Bianca Parker, Taylor Wheeler, Aaron Long, Jazmin Harris, Talese Archie and Hunter Harris; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A celebration of Franklin’s life will be held 12:00 pm, Saturday, January 12, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23666.
