Attention to orders:  Effective at 0600 on 7 November 2017, CPO William M. Franz (Ret.) is hereby relieved of his duties here on earth and told to report to his personal commander-in-chief, at Heaven's Gate, where he will join family and friends.

Bill was born on 29 May 1938 in Saginaw, Michigan to Helen and William Franz, now deceased.

Bill was proud to serve our country through his service in the United States Navy.  He served in the Submarines service as a Cryptographic Communications Specialist.  His submarine service spanned 23 years and included world-wide deployments on Diesel, Fast Attack and Polaris submarines.  He received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career to include the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Naval Letter of Appreciation.  In 1978 Bill retired from the United States Navy in Norfolk, VA after achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer and 23 years of honorable and distinguished service.  A few of the submarines he served on was the USS  Mackerel,  USS Blue Fish and USS California.

After retiring from the Navy, Bill owned and operated Bill's Custom Auto in Virginia Beach, VA where his passion for restoring antique and classic vehicles continued for 25 years.

Bill was most proud of his family and loved them dearly.  He is survived by his wife, Mary T. Franz and  his loving Shih Tzu, Gizmo.  He will be greatly missed by all including his children, Keith Franz (Helen), Denise Russell (Charles), Victoria Pritchard (Ricky), Bobby Gardner  Jr. (Amy) and Yvonne Weiss (Dan).  He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren;  Tina, David, Blake, Nicole, Jason, Gabrielle, Evan, Morgan, Jimmy Jr., Daniel, and Katie; and 13 great-grandchildren;  Ethan, Kara, Hailey Rain, Jordyn, Graycee, Anistyn, Lissie, Lily, Simon, Rylan, Halee,  Brody and Adalyn.  Bill is also survived by his sister, Helen Becker and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. David Brooks officiating.  Burial will follow with full military honors at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation one hour before the funeral service at the funeral home from 12-1 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson's  Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Ste 800, Miami, FL 33131.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.

Our heartfelt  thanks to Community Home Care & Hospice of Elizabeth City, NC and especially to Julie, one of the most professional and caring nurses ever.  Thank you Julie.