Franklin Wayne Emerson

Franklin Wayne Emerson, 74, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Bonster Emerson and Doris Griffith Keim. Franklin was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Parrish Emerson; sons, Stephen “Steve” Emerson and wife, Sloan of Hughesville, MD, Franklin Wayne “Lin” Emerson Jr., Jerry “Wayne” Watkins and wife, Lori of Jacksonville, FL; daughters, Lorie Watkins Carroll and husband, Jon of Colonial Heights, VA and Dana Watkins Spiers of South Chesterfield, VA; ten grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel, Ricky, Ben, Grace, Ashley, Jeremy, Justin, Rick, and Madison; five great-grandchildren; and two loving brothers and sisters-in-laws, Henry “Clyde” Emerson (Val) and Kenneth Bruce Emerson (Connie). He retired from Honeywell/Allied as a Safety Engineer after 39 years of dedicated service. His zest for life will be missed by all that knew and loved him. He loved dancing, was a talented drummer, member of the Hopewell Emergency Crew and Hopewell Moose Lodge for many years, as well as an accomplished gardener, NASCAR, and UVA fan. A passionate Outer Banks fisherman, he always enjoyed the challenge of the various game fish seasons at Nags Head. He relished his role as a loving father and doting grandfather. “Dad” or “Paw-Paw” lived life mostly on his own terms even after a series of serious health setbacks. He will be remembered for his warmth, an infectious laugh, a loving embrace, or a casual fist bump. Mostly, he will be remembered for his ability to live life to the fullest without taking himself too seriously. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19th at First Baptist Church, 401 N. 2nd Ave, Hopewell, VA 23860 followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Hopewell, VA. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .