Obituaries » The. Rev. A. Howell Franklin
The. Rev. A. Howell Franklin
The Reverend A. Howell Franklin, 83, of Lynchburg, VA died Sunday, March 20, 2022. He was the husband of the late Martha Barksdale Franklin. He was born April 1, 1938, to John R. Franklin and Doreen Smith Franklin. His father was owner and manager of S.H. Franklin’s Men’s Clothing Store, and his mother taught mathematics at E.C. Glass High School for many years.
He attended public schools in Lynchburg: Garland-Rhodes Elementary School, Robert E. Lee Junior High, and E.C. Glass High School. There he ran track, was co-editor of the weekly newspaper “High Times” his senior year, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He graduated from E.C. Glass in the class of 1956.
After receiving a B.A. Degree in psychology from the University of Virginia, he was commissioned an Ensign as a regular officer in the United States Navy. During his tour in the Navy, he was the Communications Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Top Secret Security Officer on the USS Waldo County and the USS Compass Island. It was during this time that the USS Compass Island helped develop a satellite navigational system which today is known as the Global Positioning System. Before being honorably discharged from the Navy, Reverend Franklin was advanced to the rank of full Lieutenant, USN.
Following his naval tour, he answered the call into the Christian ministry by enrolling in seminary. In 1969 he earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary and PSCE in Richmond, VA. He also became a Master Mason. As an Ordained Elder in the Virginia Annual Conference, he served United Methodist Churches across the Commonwealth for 34 years. His pastorates included West Campbell Charge and Forest Road in the Lynchburg area and Powhatan and Blackstone outside of Richmond. Other churches Reverend A. Howell Franklin served were in Virginia Beach, South Hill, South Boston, Salem, and Buena Vista. His greatest love in the ministry was evangelism and he preached numerous revivals during his career.
In June 2003, Reverend Franklin and his wife, Martha Barksdale Carter, moved into their home in Lynchburg, VA, which they had purchased fifteen years earlier for retirement. In retirement he enjoyed traveling, swimming, hiking, and reading.
Reverend A. Howell Franklin is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Faith and Johnny Bridges of Tucson, AZ; nephews, John Franklin Bridges and Benjamin Howell Bridges; niece, Virginia Bridges Carroll; a special friend, Sharon Cash; Sharon’s grandchildren, Bri, River, and Mason; Sharon’s other family members; and all the wonderful friends he and Martha made while living in Lynchburg and throughout Virginia.
A funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Rice, VA at 2 p.m.
Thank you to all the staff at Westminster for the care given to him over the last years, especially the staff of Heartford 6th Floor and Westminster Hospice.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
A funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Rice, VA at 2 p.m.
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I had the great privilege of being Howell's classmate at Union Theological Seminary and again during the time that we both were living in Lynchburg. His spirit was infectious and his life and ministry exemplary. I shall always be grateful that our paths crossed not just once but twice. May God grant him still more of the abundant joy that he exhibited on this side of the great heavenly banquet where he joins Martha in celebration of the life everlasting.
Posted by Rev. Charles Davidson, Asheville, NC on March 24, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to Howell's family and friends, Howell was an upperclassman and team mate of my on the E.C.Glass Track team, I have vivid memories of his come from behind run to over-take and win the 440 yard dash. Howell was a excellent example and role model for his fellow human beings.
Posted by Mel Parker on March 24, 2022
Grateful for the opportunity to get to know Howell at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. A delightful man and such an inspiration to everyone. Have missed his smile and words of wisdom. He so enjoyed Young at Heart gatherings. A beautiful soul. RIP Howell.
Posted by SARA CURTIS on March 24, 2022
Please know you are in the prayers of the people of the Staunton District of the United Methodist Church. My God's grace enfold you with resurrection hope.
Posted by Rev. Douglas Forrester on March 23, 2022
We are sad to hear of Howell's passing. We so enjoyed him and Martha when they were at Crenshaw in Blackstone. What a kind and dear soul. -Shirley & David Lee Wilkins
Posted by Shirley Wilkins on March 23, 2022
Howell married my husband and I in December 1969 at Lambs UM C. Martha played and sang. They both were so special. Everyone loved them. Love and prayers to all. Edwin & Sue Blackstock
Posted by Sue Mitchell Blackstock on March 22, 2022
Martha and I were school mates. She was practically part of our Family. So when she started dating Howell in 1963, Howell became Family. I had the honor to be in their wedding. Howell officiated my daughters wedding. Howell did both of my parents funeeals. After we lost Martha, Howell and I continued our friendship. Blessed to have been able to visit almost every Fall last 8 years. Howell spent Thanksgiving and Christmas last year with us. He still had his appetite. We had such a fabulous time visiting, and telling stories. Howell was so happy. We know he is now reunited with Martha in Heaven. Every visit we HAD to go to Isabellas. He always wanted to be the perfect host. And he was. We will miss you.
Posted by Erma Schumaker Sisson on March 22, 2022
Thanksgiving last year
Posted by Erma Shumaker Sisson on March 22, 2022
Martha and Howell were among our favorites. .We always enjoyed their visits. I know they are happy to be together again. Blessings to the family.
Posted by Anonymous on March 22, 2022
Martha and Howell were among our favorites. .We always enjoyed their visits. I know they are happy to be together again. Blessings to the family.
Posted by Anonymous on March 22, 2022
It was my pleasure to serve as Reverend Franklin's organist while he served the South Hill United Methodist Church. He, and his wife Martha, became close friends. I actually got to know Reverend Franklin while he served Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Blackstone, VA. In my senior year, Reverend Franklin conducted my class's Baucalaureate service when I graduated from Kenston Forest School. I told him at the time if South Hill United Methodist Church ever became available please consider us. When it did, he accepted the position. I have so many wonderful memories of this wonderful couple and know they are once again together.
Posted by Jimmie Crowder, Jr. on March 21, 2022
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