Franklin Lockwood

Franklin A. Lockwood departed this life on December 9 in Seminole, Florida. 

Frank was born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 22, 1944, only six weeks after his father, J. Franklin Lockwood, had landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Normandy Invasion. Frank treasured a letter written by his father coincidently on the day of his birth and throughout his life remained grateful for his father’s service on “the longest day.” Frank’s family moved to Sebring, Florida when he was still young. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, and during his service he attended the Navy’s photography school at the Pensacola Naval Air Station and realized that he had found his dream career. After leaving the Navy he continued his education at a local college and began his career working in Florida at WFLA TV station before moving onto professional studios and becoming proficient in high-end color processing. Frank returned to Richmond in 1975 and was soon employed by Reynolds Metals Company where he worked for many years in the Corporate Creative Services department. His photographs graced many company publications, and he also became skilled in multi-media digital production. After retiring from Reynolds, Frank decided it would be fun to work as a courtesy driver for Richmond Honda, where he enjoyed meeting and conversing with a host of customers as he drove them to work. As a regular customer at Melito’s restaurant in Richmond’s West End, Frank was a familiar face remembered fondly by the staff. As his health declined, Frank returned to Florida earlier this year to be closer to his children and grandchildren, whose loving care and devotion made his final months a joyous gift for everyone. 

Frank is survived by his daughter, Debbie Edmonds, her husband, Lee; son, Steve Lockwood, and his wife, Jenny; grandchildren Hannah Lockwood, Sydney Lockwood, Katie Edmonds, and Brody Lockwood; and sister, Barbara Ambrose, and her husband, John, who reside in Richmond, VA. A private memorial service will be early next year in Florida. Memorial donations may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Frank was preceded in death by his grandparents, J. Franklin Lockwood, Sr. and Vivian Shamlin Lockwood, father J. Franklin Lockwood, Jr, mother Margaret Heatwole Lockwood, and stepmother Sarah Peple Lockwood.