Franklin Willson Jr.

1944 - 2025

Franklin DeSales Willson Jr. of Middletown Maryland passed peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, March 13th, at the age of 81. Frank, as he was affectionately known, was born on January 10th, 1944, to Franklin D. & Betty E. Willson Sr. in Silver Spring, Maryland. He spent his early childhood in Silver Spring where he was featured in the Weekly Reader Childrens magazine throughout his time in elementary school. He and his family moved to Rochester, New York, in his teenage years where he graduated from Irondequoit High School. It is in Upstate New York where he acquired his love for Red Hot and White Hot Hot Dogs. Frank continued his education by attending Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, followed by proudly receiving degrees in political science and law enforcement from Hood College in Frederick, MD. Frank joined the Frederick City Police Department in 1966. Frank began his law enforcement career as a young detective at just 22 years old, and 25 years later retired as a Lieutenant. Frank took a short retirement and headed back into service with the Frederick County Sheriff's Dept. as a Constable, eventually retiring once more with 15 years of service. Frank loved serving the community so much that he returned to the City of Frederick, where he held many positions, including parking enforcement, security officer, and his final post as front desk associate for the Office of the Mayor.

Frank was a wealth of knowledge and full of his signature sarcasm, both of which he loved to share with others. Frank knew when to talk and when to listen and loved to do both because he knew sometimes that's all a person really needs. Frank never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand. In Frank's free time, he enjoyed many miles of biking with his family on the C&O. He loved watching television, Mash, Cheers, and Hill Street Blues. He was on the hunt with The Amazing Race and American Pickers and recently became the biggest fan of Women's College Basketball. He was a lover of all animals his children could drag home. One of Frank's biggest passions was playing Candy Crush and his pride in being on level 7,181. He loved his country, the State of Maryland, and always displayed his flags proudly. Frank was a member of The Frederick F.O.P. Lodge, Elks Club 684, Sons of the American Revolution, The Arc and The Dove Society, served on the board for N.A.M. Uganda Mission, and was a proud Eagle Scout. Lastly, he was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration, where he served many roles from vestry to treasurer.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin D. and Betty E. Willson Sr. of Myersville, MD.

He is survived by two sisters, Melissa Volinger of Austin, Texas, and Christine Baugher of Myersville, MD. He leaves behind Judy A. Willson, wife of 45 years from New Market, MD. Frank had three children, Daughter Tracy Jenkins and husband Ryan of Boonsboro. Daughter Nicole Montgomery and husband Brian of Hancock, MD. Son Thomas Willson and partner Chrissy Santana of Middletown. eight grandchildren: Mandy Tomlinson, Brandon Jenkins, Emma Cowger, Ryder Montgomery, Caleb Willson, Chloe Willson, Charlotte Willson, and Clara Willson. three great grandchildren: Emileigh & Elliott Tomlinson and Ellie Willson, and many nieces and nephews. Frank also leaves behind his much-loved work family from Frederick City Hall, who helped support him greatly through his health challenges, as well as his Friday Night Elks Club poker crew that he enjoyed so much. Frank also enjoyed the company and camaraderie of fellow Police retirees, especially Alice Moore who saw him through to his 10-42. Frank will forever be remembered for his selfless service to God, his family, and his community.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Avenue, Braddock Heights, MD 21714 on Tuesday, March 18, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at which time a funeral service will be held. Inurnment on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Harman Funeral Home, Middletown. Franklin Willson, Jr.