Marshall Franklin Sr.

Marshall Franklin Sr. PORTSMOUTH - Marshall Franklin Sr. was born March 5, 1948, in Norfolk County, Chesapeake. He was the first born son to the late Horace and Gracie Franklin. He began his spiritual life in Grove Baptist Church where he was baptized at age 6 in 1954. His final place of worship was the Garden of Prayer Temple No. 4 where he served faithfully as an usher. Marshall was educated at Crestwood High School in Chesapeake and graduated in 1966. He played baseball and had a lifetime ambition to become an architect. In pursuit of that dream, he began his education at Tidewater Community College and Norfolk State University studying architectural design and drafting. Before he could complete his education, he was drafted to serve his country in the Vietnam War in the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge. As a life trade, Marshall held many positions including employment at the Naval Base in Norfolk and Doughties in Portsmouth. He was a talented man including painting, skilled craftsman, hunting, fishing, gardening, builder, and as a barber. Marshall leaves to cherish his memory his son, Marshall Franklin Jr. and three grandchildren, Shawna Starks, Marzai Terrell and Marquis Franklin; his loving sisters, Rebecca Ward (Melvin), Juanita Ebron (Alvin), Geraldine Sawyer, Yvonne Sparks (Michael), Alberta Thomas (Bryant) and Toni Dixon (Curtis); his brothers, Horace Franklin Jr., Daniel Franklin (Beverly) and Benjamin Franklin (Trudy); his maternal aunt and uncle, Christine Eggleston and Henry McCoy. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and one sibling, Wayne Eric Franklin. Marshall can be most remembered for his beautiful artwork which included paintings of landscapes of Vietnam and his handy work and craftsmanship. He enjoyed listening to music and he was an awesome swing dancer (hand dancing). He was quiet and reserved and he will be loved and missed by many. Viewing will be held Wednesday at J.T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1080 N. George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake, from noon until 5 p.m. A life celebration service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Grove Baptist Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, with Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Senior Pastor officiating. The family has entrusted J.T. Fisher Funeral Services to handle the final care arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.jtfisherfuneralservices.com.