William Green Franklin, Jr.

Virginia State Convict Road Force — Richmond, VA

Cardiac

End of Watch July 23, 1960

Age 48

The Vigil Panel 95 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 8

Incident

Guard William Franklin suffered a fatal heart attack while taking an escapee into custody in Charlotte Court House.

The inmate had escaped the previous day from State Road Camp 23, along State Road 624 two miles south of Abilene. He then stole a gun and clothing later in the evening and fled into the woods. A posse with bloodhounds tracked the man to the Village Church in Charlotte Court House. Guard Franklin remained outside of the church while the county sheriff, a deputy, and a trusty went inside to search it at about 9:50 pm.

As the other officers were inside the escapee emerged from the church. Upon seeing Guard Franklin the man threw down his gun and surrendered. Guard Franklin took the man into custody and then collapsed.

Guard Franklin was survived by his wife and mother.

Survivors

Guard Franklin was survived by his wife and mother.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-VA-9951722A
Stewardship: Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Guard Franklin served with the Virginia State Convict Road Force.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard Franklin.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Virginia State Convict Road Force

Location Richmond, VA

Platform Identity vscrf.richmond.va.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch July 23, 1960

Age 48

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Cardiac

Guard William Green Franklin, Jr. is one of 1,306 officers lost to cardiac events in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 4% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In VA, 25 of 654 officers were lost to cardiac events in the line of duty — 3.8% of this state's fallen.

At Virginia State Convict Road Force, 1 of 9 officers on record were lost to cardiac events in the line of duty — 11.1% of this agency's fallen.

Virginia State Convict Road Force

of 9 officers

11.1% Cardiac

VA — Statewide

of 654 officers

3.8% Cardiac

Nationwide

1,306

of 32,508 officers

4% Cardiac