Ronald Eugene Franklin
August 1, 1951 - July 8, 2008
Obituary
Ronald Eugene Franklin was born on August 1, 1951 to Lillian and Virgil Franklin in Rosser, Texas. He was the youngest of 13 children. He moved to Seattle with his family in 1961, graduated from Franklin High School in 1969, and attended the University of Washington.
Ron met his loving wife, Charlene Victoria, in 1980 and was embraced by her family. They married and together raised their son, William Lee Elleby III, and daughter, Kia Charon Franklin. A proud father, he exemplified the true meaning of fatherhood. After Charlene passed away, he met and grew to love Kathy Thurman.
Ron dedicated 35 years as a broadcast engineer for KCTS-9, and many years to the University of Washington’s Engineering Department. Over the course of his career he worked with many wonderful people and contributed immensely to the vitality and growth of his workplaces.
Ron was highly principled and dignified, admired for his generosity and compassionate nature. He always found the good in those he touched and loved. Ron had many nieces, nephews, and other young people that he loved as his own family. His home was a refuge where they frequently sought his wisdom and advice. He gave wise counsel, never lecturing—just gently steering them towards better, more productive lives.
He was a brilliant man with a wealth of knowledge. He loved learning and had an uncanny ability to absorb facts, details, and trivia. He could converse about anything and debate virtually any subject. He also loved martial arts, earning a black belt in Pentjak Silat and excelling in Jeet Kune Do, Choy Li Fut Kung-Fu and Capoeira.
Ron passed away on July 8, 2008 at his home in Seattle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Virgil Franklin; beloved wife, Charlene; brothers, Lovell, Clyde, Harold, Curtis, and Tyree; sister Helen Dotson; and mother-in-law, Christene Ervin.
He was a blessing to his family, who remain blessed to have been graced by his loving spirit and fond memories. Ron is survived by his children, Kia Charon Franklin, Brooklyn, NY, and William Elizabeth Lee Elleby III, Des Moines, WA; brothers, Vernell, Oakland, CA, Thomas, San Jose, CA, John Nancy, Bellevue, WA, Lawrence, Seattle, WA; sisters, Jo Nell Franklin, Rosser, TX and Evelyn Reed, El Cerrito, CA; grandchildren, Victoria, Billy IV, C.J., and Kobe Elleby; in-laws, Etta Jim Walters, Yvonne Ervin Carr, Charles Beverly Ervin, Sarah J.E. Dean, Carl Penelope Ervin and a host of nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his loving friend Kathy Thurman, other beloved relatives, respected co-workers and dear friends.
The Memorial Service will be Thursday, July 17, 2008 at noon at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, WA. There will be a viewing service on Wednesday, July 16th from 3-5pm, at Bonney-Watson Memorial at 1732 Broadway Avenue in Seattle, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or KCTS-TV.
I thank God for the memories, I never have and never will forget you love always your nephew Cedric
To my wonderful Uncle Ron, I will miss you more than words can say. Thank you for all your wisdom, love and grace.
– Kim
Ron was a person that once you meet him you really like him I knew him though a friend and he was a fun person to be around we will miss him.
Ron was a giving and kind-hearted man. He was my brother in martial arts and will be truly missed. I want to express my condolences to Ron’s family.
To the Franklin Family,
Our sincere condolences to Ron. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you from our family to yours. Ron has been a good loyal student and fellow martial artist at Amerindo Pentjak Silat. He will be missed in our school.
Sincerely,
Guru Pelatih Joe Valmonte
I met Ron in 1974 at KCTS/9.. He was a tall,handsome,,energetic talented man. I learned of his passing from a former KCTS/9 employee Charlie Burrell when he came to the Seattle Veterans’ Hospital to see my late husband Albert Buster. who was also a member of the UCCU.
My belated condolences to his beautiful children, family, and friends. God Bless, Ron.
I know you, Vik, Gram, PawPaw, Carl and Mother Dear are rejoicing knowing CJ was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers!
Miss you all
Yvonne
This was one of the guys I looked up too. Holly Park love, Ottavino!