Wesley McKinley 'Pop' Franklin, 91 of Madison Heights VA went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 28, 2019. Born in Amherst County on September 23, 1928 to the late Thomas and Mary Franklin. He is preceded in death by his sister Mary Elizabeth 'Sister' (George) Sparrow; Brothers, Thomas 'June' (Louise), Edward Lee (Aretha), Benjamin (Christine) and John Daniel Franklin; Children, Kathy Sue, James Wesley 'Slim', Ernest Tyrone 'Bear' Franklin; Grandson, James Wesley 'Jay' Franklin Jr; Great Grandson, Dedric Shyheim Megginson; Brother-in-Laws, Robert (Marian), Rossie (Dorothy), Clarence (Emily), and Onie Sparrow. Samuel (Hester), Anuel (Mary) Scott and Roy Bowling; Sister-in-Laws, Dorothy (James), Doretha (Lewis) Woodson, and Lucille Vaughter.

He leaves to mourn his wife of seventy-three years, Kathleen Franklin, whom he loved and adored. His brother Robert 'Mac' Franklin and sisters, Betty Franklin and Barbara Bowling all of Lynchburg VA. His daughters, Stella Franklin, Shirley Gillispie and Martha Franklin all of Madison Heights VA. His sons, Robert (Marcella), McKinley (Gwen) and Donald (Margaret) Franklin, all of Madison Heights VA. A Daughter in Law, Phyllis Chilton of Madison Heights VA; Sister-in-Laws, Ophelia Franklin and Vernell Sparrow of Madison Heights VA; Twenty-five grandchildren, fifty-three great grandchildren, twenty-three great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Wesley committed his life to God at an early age. He was a member of Scott Zion Baptist Church before transferring his membership to Fairmount Baptist Church. He was the Chairmen of the Trustee Board before becoming a devout Deacon in 1996. He served as Treasurer until 2018. He completed various tasks and projects at Fairmount without complaint.

Wesley worked for C&O Railroad for forty-seven years before retiring. During downtimes of railroad working, he worked at Glamorgan Pipe and Foundry and Lynchburg Milling as a delivery truck driver. He was blessed with large 'Helping Hands'. Hands that loved to build, including his home and a variety of other projects. Hands that helped his family, neighbors, and the fellowman.  Hands that allowed him to garden by growing tobacco and a variety of vegetables. He was a Jack of all Trades, willing to put in the necessary time and effort to complete each job with excellence. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed animals, boxing, and his all-time favorite, watching a good western. He was a God fearing man. He made you laugh. He was a teacher of many things, a provider to his wife and family, and offering his assistance to many of his relatives and friends whenever possible.

His demeanor was calm, his words were few, but when he spoke everyone listened.  To know him was to love him.

A funeral service will be held today at 2:00 January 3, 2020 at Fairmont Baptist Church with Rev. Leonard Harris, officiating.  The interment will be in the church cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.com .  Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.