Michael Lynn Franz

Michael Lynn Franz, age 81, peacefully passed away on July 16, 2024, surrounded by his devoted wife and family in Flat Rock, NC. Michael was the firstborn to Viva Carter Franz and Henry Edward Franz on January 14, 1943, in Ashland, KY. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and was a member of the Pi Kappa Fraternity, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1965. Thereafter, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Leigh Franz, on February 26, 1966, then welcomed the birth of his firstborn son, David Michael Franz, in Radford, VA. Following his college graduation, he joined John Deere Industrial Equipment Company as a regional sales manager for numerous states. Soon thereafter, he welcomed his second son, Stephen Edward Franz, in Dunkirk, NY.
In 1974, he and his family moved to Orlando, FL. Almost 20 years after joining John Deere, Michael opened his industrial construction equipment business, Franz Equipment Inc., in 1983. Throughout his time in Florida, he enjoyed various hobbies, such as roller skating, boating, and woodworking. Michael found joy in driving and working on antique cars, like his cherished Triumph TR3. He also spent decades traveling the world with his wife. In 2009, Michael sold his business and retired to a mountain home in Glenville, NC. Michael was active in the Glenville and Cashiers communities through philanthropic initiatives and communal service. Michael then moved to Flat Rock, NC, in 2022, where he spent his remaining days with his wife and faithful dog, Parker. He was a cherished brother, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. He maintained his humor, wit, and wisdom throughout all of life's moments and hardships.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Viva Franz, sister, Brenda Franz, and firstborn son, David Franz. He is survived by his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Carolyn Franz; son, Stephen Franz; grandchildren, Nichole Murphy-Land, Christopher Franz, and Sara Franz; and great-granddaughter, Kyleigh Murphy.
Please join us in commemorating Michael Franz. Service and reception will be held at St. John in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731, and conducted by Shuler Funeral Home of Hendersonville, NC. Date and time will be announced when arranged. For more information, please contact sefranz1@protonmail.com.