Obituary - Ira Waverly Franklin

Ira Waverly Franklin, 104, died peacefully at his Henrico County home on June 6, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Sarah LaGrande Nichols Franklin; his parents, Ira Anson Franklin and Annie Collier Franklin and a sister, Audrey Franklin Davis.

He is survived by his son, C. Anson Franklin (Zofia); two daughters, Sarah E. Franklin and Barbara F. Adkins (Jerry); five grandchildren, Lee Adkins, Sarah Villarreal (Thomas), Kyle Adkins (Viviana), Andrew Franklin, Roman Franklin; five great grandchildren, Emma, Lily, Ellie, Avery and Carly; also, a family friend, Bonnie D. Tyler.

Ira was born on December 8, 1919, in the Oregon Hill section of Richmond and graduated from John Marshall High School. He worked for Richmond Newspapers, Inc./Media General for 48 years prior to and after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific on the submarine tender, the USS Beaver. After his discharge from the Navy in January 1946, Ira and Sarah were married in Pine Street Baptist Church in April 1946. Ira was known for his woodworking skills and his ability to build or fix just about anything. He continued to cut his own grass until he was 99 years old.

The family would like to thank both Legacy Hospice for their good care and comfort of Ira as well as the VA's medical personnel. Ira had a number of caring and compassionate caregivers from both Home Helpers Chesterfield and Richmond and Sr. Helpers - Greater Richmond.

Family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12 at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 Parham Rd. where funeral services will also be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Gary Sinise Foundation.