Ross Stuart Franklin

Ross Stuart Franklin, 51 died August 15, 2018 in a local hospital after a sudden illness. He was born in Lakeland, FL, on April 21, 1967 and was a lifelong resident of Lakeland. Ross was the son of Benjamin and MaryAnn Franklin. He earned his BS and MS in Geography and Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida in 1991. Ross remained a Gator fan his whole life. Ross had been employed as an environmental engineer in the phosphate industry. He was working as a safety and environmental engineer in the automotive industry at the time of his death. He enjoyed fishing, shooting, metal working and reading. Ross was a private person. He was a true friend that could be relied on to help others. Ross is survived by his parents, Ben and MaryAnn Franklin of Stuart, VA; his sister Staci Mathewson (Brian) of Panama City, FL; nieces Miranda and Amelia Mathewson of Panama City, FL; aunt Nan McDaniel (Lee) of Lakeland, FL; uncle John L. Franklin (Janet) of Lakeland, FL; uncle W.H. Reeder (Linda) and family from Texas; and cousin John W. Franklin (Amy) of Stuttgart, Germany. The funeral service will be August 18, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be at 12:30 before the service. Graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Ross’s name.