Harrison Lee Franklin, Jr, aka “Fella,” as family and friends affectionately called him, transitioned from this life on Monday, October 7, 2024, after a brief illness.
Harrison was born in Portsmouth, VA, on February 25, 1962, to the late Madeline and Harrison Lee Franklin, Sr. He was the beloved brother and the youngest among his three sisters. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Manina Harris, and wife Iris Franklin.
Harrison grew up immersed in the Chesapeake Gardens community, Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, and the Tots and Teens of Norfolk, Va. His early years were spent in the Norfolk Public School system. His adventurous spirit thrived, and he excelled in Boy Scouts of America, achieving the highest badge levels for his age. He was an avid outdoorsman swimming, hunting, boating, gardening, construction, welding, cars, and racing, you name it, and he tried it! Harrison was truly fearless. He became a different persona with each adventure: Superman, wrestling (his favorite sport), and any martial art form…karate, judo, Kung Fu—you name it, he took classes for it. Fearless was the spirit we knew and loved. When asked to describe him in one word, the family list included: fixer, smart, hardhead, versatile, loving, handyman, jack of all trades, Holy Terror, mama’s boy, mischievous, a big heart, creative, and “Mikey” because he ate any and everything in sight!
Harrison married the love of his life, Iris Cynthia Saunders, on June 3, 1982. From this union, they had three daughters. His early career began at the Norfolk Shipyard, reaching the pinnacle of expertise as a Master welder for many years. After relocating to Richmond in 1986, he continued in the industrial boiler industry, working for Sam English Company as a Boilermaker supervisor until he returned to Norfolk. His ending career days were in general contracting, where he was able to use his artistic and creative skills in building and construction.
Harrison loved life to the fullest, knew no strangers, and was a father to many. Harrison’s, memory will be cherished by his loving daughters, Qiana Stewart (Shaun), Shannon Sanders, and Ivi Franklin; grandchildren Derrick Jr, Shauntesia, Qyante, Jaya, Tiana, Rashard Jr, and Amir; great-granddaughter Legacy; sisters Letitia and Valerie Franklin; sister-in-law Maria Betts, brother-in-law Leonard Harris; nieces Shari (Mills) and Sonya, Roshieta, Asia (Herb), Paige, and nephews Brandon, Corey (Jessica) and Devon. A devoted friend Samantha Williams and his “ride or die” Cletis Puryear as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
“Fella, I LOVE YOU FIRST”
Condolences(15)-
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Wanda Patterson Dew says
October 9, 2024 at 4:46 pmTo my other family, The Patterson family sends their love, words of condolences and most of all prayers. We all played together growing up. May God put his loving arms around your family and keep you close to his heart.love always Wanda Patterson Dew🙏🙏🙏🙏
Pamela Venise James-Arenas says
October 11, 2024 at 4:21 pmTo a lovely young man. I knew you as a young boy running around your parents home. You were always very happy and a sweet little child. May your family always be blessed having and keeping you in the hearts you touched. Let there be peace and knowing that you may rest in peace. God Bless your family!
C J Young Junbug says
October 16, 2024 at 8:53 pmI’m gonna miss you Fella he always had my back, rest well my brother, your job here is done, no need to worry we got it now, now you can be reunited with Iris,🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Yvette Rice says
October 19, 2024 at 9:15 amMay God continue your journey towards meeting all the loved ones that passed before you. You will truly be missed. God bless the family and it’s time of Lost
Yvette Rice says
October 19, 2024 at 9:16 amMay God continue your journey towards meeting all the loved ones that passed before you. You will truly be missed. God bless the family in this time of Lost
Pamela Venise James-Arenas says
October 11, 2024 at 4:20 pmTo a lovely young man. I knew you as a young boy running around your parents home. You were always very happy and a sweet little child. May your family always be blessed having and keeping you in the hearts you touched. Let there be peace and knowing that you may rest in peace. God Bless your family!
Vernell & Esther Gray says
October 12, 2024 at 2:50 amTo the Family of
Harrison Franklin, Jr.
You have our deepest condolences. May the peace of God be with you all. RIP my brother.
From Sisters Vernell & Esther Gray
Brett Jenkins says
October 17, 2024 at 1:08 pmFella, Fella, You will be missed. I had not seen you in many years but we managed to see each other during the passing of your Mother. I will be reaching out to your Pal Cletis.
Until we meet again,
Brett Jenkins, AKA Bull Head
Frank Anderson says
October 17, 2024 at 4:37 pmTo the Franklin family from your Anderson (Henry) cousins. . .
Our deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of
our loveable cousin Fella, we’re gonna miss you big cuz. . .
RIH. . .
love,
The Anderson family
Lisa Blanton and Earl Jackson says
October 17, 2024 at 7:03 pmTo Qiana and family you are in my prayers Love you ❤️🙏
Jaquetta, James and Riley Waters says
October 17, 2024 at 8:58 pmQiana, Shannon and Ivi,
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.” “My heart is with you in your time of sorrow.” “Wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time.” “May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you.
Malinda Williams and family says
October 17, 2024 at 9:05 pmKnow that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family”. “Sending you comforting thoughts and healing prayers during this challenging time. With Love
Looney Mcglone says
October 18, 2024 at 3:30 amWe are sorry for your loss. Please except our deepest sympathy.
Looney, Jill & family
Pennie says
October 18, 2024 at 7:36 pmSo sorry for your loss, know that my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
With Love
Pennie and Family
Terry A. Williams says
October 19, 2024 at 10:26 amFella, I was 14 years old when you were born and watched you grow into a terrific man. I will miss you and I love you.
Your next door neighbor Terry Faison Williams
P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148