Ralph R. Franklin, 80, of Urbana died on Mon., July 13, 2009 at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m., Sat., July 18 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. The Rev. Lee Galbraith, his friend and neighbor, will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview will full military rights by the VFW Post 5520. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Franklin was born Oct., 26, 1928 in Urbana, a son of Orville and Elmeda (Randel) Franklin. He married Beverly McCullough on Sept., 30, 1956 at Urbana. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Donna (David) Scheibly of Urbana, and two brothers, Leonard (Dollie) Franklin of Edgewood, IL, and Bobby (Shirley) Franklin of Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by a son, David Franklin in 1998, three brothers, and two sisters. Mr. Franklin was a 1947 graduate of Urbana High School. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Chipola during WWII. He retired from the University of Illinois Printing Division after 30 years. He then was employed by Modern Electric Co. in Urbana for 5 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Urbana. Mr. Franklin took great pride in his lawn and his home. He enjoyed all sports but golf was his passion. One of his greatest accomplishments was winning the 1993 Senior Division of the Twin City Golf Tournament. He enjoyed collecting golf balls and giving them to charities. Memorial contributions may be made to Carle Hospice, 611 w. Park St. Urbana, IL 61801-9977 or to an organization of the donor's choice.