Junior Lee Franklin

Junior Lee Franklin, 97, of Mountain Grove, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at The Springs Nursing Center.

He was born March 31, 1927 in Clifton Forge and was raised by his aunt, Nellie Franklin.

Mr. Franklin retired from The Homestead, where he had worked in the power house. Quite the outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, working in his garden, golfing, as well as mowing grass. Additionally, Mr. Franklin enjoyed watching westerns and loved attending football and baseball games. Above all, he loved supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Predeceased family members include his wife, Iva (Smith) Franklin; sons, Danny Lee and Ivan Dale Franklin; grandsons, Scotty Robertson and Joshua Lee Franklin; granddaughter, Sabrina Robertson; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Eva Jenkins; sister, Mary Shifflett; and son-in-law, Bruce Ryder.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathy Robertson and husband, Wayne of Hot Springs and Leslie Ryder of Mountain Grove; four grandsons, Ivan Franklin and wife, Chelsea of Roanoke, Alan Franklin of Hot Springs, and Neal and Dustin Franklin of Oklahoma; four granddaughters, Sebrina Rexrode, Christina and Morgan Ryder, all of Mountain Grove, and Rebecca Robertson of Hot Springs; nine great-grandchildren, Braydon Rexrode, Benjamin Benedict, Scotty and Quinton Ryder, all of Mountain Grove, Jake and Luke Franklin of Roanoke, as well as Xavier, Anna, and Remington Franklin of Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Virginia Chapel Church in Mitchelltown with pastors Donald Lee Altizer and Billy Gram officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service during a meal of fellowship, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Virginia Chapel Church, 81 Wilkinson Avenue, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.