William Norman Franklin, 84, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2023. Bill was born in Buncombe County, NC. While growing up, he lived in several cities in North Carolina. In his early years, he was a Boy Scout and enjoyed solo trips to explore in the mountains near his home. He attended Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh where he was a member of the tennis team and taught horseback riding at Meredith College. Bill graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1956 and was awarded a Navy ROTC Scholarship. He earned a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina in 1960, and following graduation was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. In the summer of 1960, he married Wilma Wilson, his college sweetheart. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

Bill served with the Navy from 1960-1963 and was homeported in Norfolk. His only child, William, was born in Norfolk in 1963. At the end of his Navy tour, Lt. Franklin moved to the Virginia Peninsula and joined Great Atlantic Agency as Vice President for Property Management and Commercial Sales. In 1970, he became a broker and established his own consulting and development company, which he operated for more than 20 years.

Bill was an active citizen who liked serving his community. He served as President of the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association and as President of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management. He was an adjunct professor teaching Real Estate at Christopher Newport College. He was Chairman of the Newport News Community Development Citizens Committee and was a member of the Hampton Roads Water Quality Agency. A kind, intelligent, and independent gentleman, Bill was a Methodist and a loyal friend who enjoyed helping others.

Serving as a Scout leader and participating with his son in activities brought much joy to his life. He was a lifelong learner and an accomplished woodworker with a specialty in reproduction of 18th century furniture, especially fretwork mirrors. His other interests included information technology, shooting sports, architecture, camping, music, birdwatching, gardening, ACC sports, and travel. He enjoyed traveling with his family to 47 of the 50 states, to Canada, Europe, and spending Thanksgiving vacations in the Caribbean. Bill lived a very full and happy life. His son’s family was a source of great pleasure for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Hutchins Franklin and Robert Wayne Franklin, and his brother, James Wayne Franklin. He is survived by his wife Wilma; his son William (Sally); his grandchildren Lauren Ludovici (Stephen), Catherine Franklin, Margaret Franklin, Emily Franklin, and Abigail Franklin and great grandchild Philippa Ludovici; his sister Linda Prendergast; his in-laws Betsy Herford (Robert) and Mary Lou Franklin; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188, or to the charity of one’s choice.