Franklin Wilkus McClanahan

FRANKLIN "FRANK" WILKUS McCLANAHAN 88, of Orange Lake, FL, passed peacefully May 31, 2024, at Lake City Florida VA Serenity Place Hospice. He was born to the late Howard and Mary Whittington McClanahan on August 8, 1935 of Poca, WV. He was proceeded in death by his devoted wife of 63 years, Shelby Jane McClanahan by just 5 days. Stepmother, Jewell McClanahan, sisters Betty McClanahan, Christine Young, Juanita Burford, brother, William Howard (Billy) McClanahan, and son, Charles (Billy) Williams. Surviving are his sisters, Barbara Smith and Ramona Hickman, who loved him dearly. Frank's mother passed a very short time after his birth in 1935. His father's brother and wife agreed to raise him with their family, and loved him as their own child. They are very respected and noted as follows: father, Hubert (Selva) McClanahan, brother Harold (Phyllis) McClanahan, sister, Margaret (Earnest) Whittington. Surviving are sister, Wanda McClanahan, brother, Gilbert (Sandra) McClanahan. He is also survived by son, Bruce (Shawna) McClanahan, daughter, Terri (Raymond "Pooch") Adkins. Grandchildren: Noah Williams, Kristina Smith, Kyle Copson, Kayla Copson, Brittani Woodrum, Kendall McClanahan, Traci Smith, and several great-grandchildren. He was a veteran of the US Army. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineer's Local 132, Charleson, WV. He had a passion for operating heavy equipment. He could professionally operate any piece of equipment, but his specialty was for cranes. He worked on large projects such as dams, power plants, and most of the bridges and highways throughout WV. He loved to fish, hunt, and garden. He also greatly enjoyed taking care of his yard and helping neighbors with various tasks. He was a great handyman who could help fix almost anything. Frank really liked to talk to people, he never met a stranger. It was said he would talk to a tree, if no one was around. Frank's body was in Florida the past 40 plus years, but his heart was always on Poca River. The family would like to thank the great people of Lake City Florida VA Serenity Place Hospice, for the tender loving care they provided our Dad in the last several weeks of his life. As per Frank's wishes, there will be no funeral services.