Franklin, Steven Douglas

Steven Douglas Franklin, age 65, of Christiansburg, passed peacefully and gained his heavenly wings on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at home with his family by his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Michelle and their daughter Vivian. Surviving are his siblings Fred “Butch” Franklin III; Becky Brooks; Lyndon (Janice) Franklin; Carolyn Franklin-Teele; David Franklin, Mary “Suzie” (Waymon) Pack, sister-in-law Susan St. Clair Booth, brother-in-law John (Peggy) St.Clair, and a host of other relatives. He was preceded in death by parents Fred and Dolores Franklin and brother-in-law Benjamin Booth.

Steven was a master of many trades and had a passion for creating things with a gifted eye for detail. At an early age he learned via hands-on experience with trucks, engines, hydraulics, equipment, and many other things while working for his father who was also an entrepreneur. Steven was a self employed Class A contractor for over 30 years. He was curious, creative and always thinking about what he could make or improve. His patented invention is number 6,305,480. He custom built his family’s home so it is a comfort knowing they are surrounded by his handiwork. They appreciate the craftsmanship and love he put into his creation knowing it would be something his family would enjoy and cherish for many years. The process was a journey of faith and hope knowing God was looking out for them and Jesus was guiding him. Steven’s imagination didn’t have limits or boundaries. He’d even dream about building and creating things. He enjoyed working on projects around the home, cooking, and simply spending time with his family and playing with the dogs. His dogs Astro and Leo gave him their unconditional love and helped lift his spirits, especially this past year.

Steven was a talented and hard working force of life. He was blessed to share 36 years with his loving and devoted wife Michelle. They knew they were meant to be together and it was what God intended. It was an adventure to share their lives and grow together. Their home was filled with many conversations and lots of laughter. They enjoyed building a life together and raising their beautiful daughter Vivian, his mini me. Steven’s biggest project was building our beautiful home where we will feel his presence for the rest of our lives. Steven and Michelle didn’t exchange a lot of gifts during the holidays because they realized they were each other’s present and being together and in love was their gift. Steven wanted everyone to know love is the most important thing.

Steven graduated from Christiansburg High School. He was a member of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church and was part of the Men’s Chorus. He often sang a solo of His Eye Is on the Sparrow. I know Steven is watching over his family and God is watching over them too.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for his sister Suzie, who helped care for Steven and took us to his appointments at Wake Forest Cancer Center. She started watching out for him when they were children. She learned quickly not to take her eyes off him when he was around 5 years old. He jumped up on the tractor, got it in motion, and came within inches of hitting the house. She isn’t sure how the tractor stopped, they may have been saved by divine intervention due to the intensity of Suzie’s prayers. Then in his final months she also had the opportunity to be his caregiver during the day. They enjoyed their time together and Suzie kept him laughing. She also enjoyed caring for our boxers Astro and Leo when she was here. Our family is blessed to have her in our lives.

Thank you to his family and friends who showed up and got things done for us around the house during his illness. Thank you to the cousins who recently cleaned up our flower beds. We appreciate the village of family and friends that have gathered around to support us.

Thank you to all of our family, friends, co-workers, and medical staff who prayed for us and helped us along this journey. When asked what we needed, I asked for prayers and positivity. Many times things worked out for us and for our good, Romans 8:28. We expressed gratitude for our blessings all along the way and were comforted knowing we were in God’s loving hands.

We would like to thank the medical staff and caregivers, especially Good Samaritan Palliative Care and Hospice Care staff who helped care for him the last several weeks. They ensured Steven’s comfort at home and we are grateful for their service and care.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. There will not be a service. Steven will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. The family appreciates your expressions of sympathy.

Steven’s cousin Nicolette DeRamus wrote this loving tribute:

“On October 13th another cherished leaf fell from our beautiful tree – Steven “Stevie” Franklin, son of Dolores Bell Franklin, daughter of James Henry Bell. There will be no service because in the words of our beloved cousin I don’t need anyone to talk me into heaven. Since he’s already in heaven, I’m just gonna share what I loved about my cousin.

My second cousin Stevie was a great man. He worked hard to support his beautiful family. He was dependable and kind. He was not just talented under the hood of a car but he built the masterpiece his family lives in. He was also home behind a big rig and just about any other heavy duty equipment you can name.

He had no problems speaking his mind and would often speak what everyone else was already thinking. Even then, the way he would say it wouldn’t be abrasive but funny. We couldn’t sit together in church or other places that required us to be on our best behavior.

If I had car trouble he’s the one I wanted to call because I knew he wouldn’t berate me about what I didn’t do or should have done or did wrong. He would joke with me all while smiling. He would get me up and running and send me on my way with a hug.

He was always smiling even in his last days and constantly reminded all of us in his words “God’s got me.” His assurance in this knowledge is something I will cherish always.

My cousin made this world a better place with his words of encouragement and his willingness to help others in need. He was just a Good Man who Loved Jesus and showed that love to everyone he met. I’m thankful for the time I got to laugh and joke with him. He expressed how proud he was of my family and adored my kids and husband, even though the miles kept our visits far apart.”

On October 5th Nicolette’s grandmother and Steven’s aunt Rosalie Bell Paige passed away, another cherished leaf fell from our beautiful tree. Please keep her family and her children, Dorothy, Frances, Garnett “Johnny”, Penny, Allen “Timmy”, Lisa, and Mark, the cousins Steven grew up with, in your prayers.

The Franklin family is in the care of McCoy Funeral Home & Crematory in Blacksburg. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.mccoyfuneralhome.com.