William "Bill" Franklin

William "Bill" Franklin

West Salem, OH - William Frederick "Bill" Franklin III, 78, passed away peacefully while tending to his beloved sheep at his home in West Salem on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Bill was born on September 28, 1946, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to William Frederick Franklin Jr. and Doris Gregory (Smith) Franklin. He graduated from Lebanon High School and attended college for a year before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1969, where he was part of the Army Security Agency. After his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Science with a minor in Geography from the University of New Hampshire.

On July 10, 1976, Bill married the love of his life, Susan Clayton and in April 1982 they had their beloved son Clayton "Clay". Together they built a life full of love and adventure, living in New Hampshire, Vermont, Florida, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Ohio in 2014. Bill spent much of his career in sales, working for companies such as Sperry New Holland Equipment, Long Manufacturing, and Huttig Building Products. He also worked in car sales and as a real estate agent.

Known for his warm and engaging personality, Bill never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation with anyone at any time and a genuine interest in others. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and had a lifelong passion for animals-especially sheep-once raising a flock of 50. Bill was deeply proud of his son and loved traveling with Sue, often visiting the places Clay and Carma lived during Clay's service in the U.S. Coast Guard.

A devoted Christian, Bill lived his faith through service, whether helping establish new churches or nurturing the spiritual growth of others. He was most recently a member of Grace Brethren Church in Homerville.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Sue; his son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Carma Franklin of Spencer; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gregory and Pam Franklin, and Paul and Nancy Franklin, all of New Hampshire; and sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, John and Lou King and Kris Williams of Massachusetts.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Brethren Church, 8992 Firestone Rd., Homerville, with Pastor Tyler Giesel officiating. Friends may call on Friday, May 2nd from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

•LifeWise Black River (please select Black River Ashland, OH)

•Medina County 4-H Endowment Fund