Franklin Eugene Epps

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Franklin Eugene Epps was born September 4, 1939 in Greensville County, Virginia, to the late James G. and Virginia F. Epps. Frank was the second of eight children born to this union. He grew up in Emporia and attended Greensville County Public Schools and Royal Baptist Church. Grounded in this foundation of family and community, Frank set his sights on the world.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956 and began an experience that was to influence the rest of his life. He traveled to distant lands in Asia, Australia, the Pacific, South America and Central America. He met people of diverse cultures, and widened his perspectives to reflect a more global arena. Frank defended the homeland domestically and saw combat in the waters off Vietnam. He served on a number of military bases and aboard a variety of US Navy ships. From his service, a few of the awards he received was the Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, Vietnam Service Medal (5 stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

After serving 20 years and retiring as Engineman First Class from the United States Navy, he departed from his military career at his last duty station in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1976, he returned home, finally settling back in Emporia. In 2001, he retired from a second career with the Virginia Department of Corrections and remained a lifelong learner. Frank earned a number of certificates from Southside Virginia Community College, as well as being self-taught. He developed his entrepreneurial skills becoming the sole proprietor of EPCO, a computer sales and servicing business, that he continued until his real estate ventures demanded more of his attention. Unknown to most, Frank was also a poet at heart as evidenced by the power of his reflective writings. Still, he had time for gardening, home improvement, and at the top of the list, time for family and friends. 

Our memories of Frank will always include examples of the fullness of his life, not the least of which was that it was full of love. Frank was married four times, and blessed with a remarkable blended family. His final marriage united him in matrimony on January 3, 2007 to the former Santiaga Basares-Gasalao and they have made a welcoming home for children, grandchildren, extended family and the circle of friends who have been favored with their hospitality.

In the early morning hours of September 19, 2021, our Frank peacefully slipped away from medical care at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia into eternal rest. He had been continually supported by the steadfast presence of his loving family.

Frank was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Melanie Y. Epps; his parents, James G. and Virginia F. Epps; and his siblings Bernice Epps- Burnett, Harold L. Epps, and Robert L. Epps.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Santiaga (Santie) Epps, devoted children: Bridgett Epps Newsome (Michael), Denise Harlin (Travis), Maria "Francie" Epps Charity (Phyl), Brandon Epps (Natasha); stepsons Argie Gasalao (Joy) and GB Michael Gasalao; grandchildren Desirée and Dominique Charity, Bria and Britne Newsome, Noah and Nola Epps, Amia Sullivan, Travis, Jordan and Xavier Harlin; one great-grandchild, Legend Kyng Malachi Chatman; siblings Barbara E. Gravely, Betty L. Elder, Brenda L. Alston, James Bernard Epps (Lauri), and Dorothy Hayes; eight nieces, ten nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

"THERE ARE SOME THAT BRING A LIGHT SO GREAT TO THE WORLD,

THAT EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE GONE THE LIGHT REMAINS"

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Epps' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. Franklin Eugene Epps.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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