William Bradley Franklin, 63, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Born on February 3, 1963, he was of the Baptist faith and was a son of the late Harvey and Janie Edwards Franklin.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Carla Baldwin Franklin; his son, Nick Franklin (Kaylan); his sister, Cindy Belcher (Scott); his brothers, Stuart Franklin (Rachel) and Harvey Franklin, Jr. (Deborah); and his cherished grandchildren, Tanner McCurry, Cooper Franklin, and McKenzie "Scottie" Franklin. He is also survived by his uncle, Dorsey Edwards (Linda); his close nephew, Ryan; several other nieces and nephews; a close brother-in-law, Mike Baldwin; and special cat, Frankie.

Brad was a gifted woodworker and master carpenter whose craftsmanship was matched only by his heart for teaching. For more than three decades, he devoted his life to shaping not only wood, but young lives, as a beloved educator with Madison County Schools. In 2023, he retired after 31 years of teaching and mentoring students in the Construction Trades program at Madison High School.

Throughout his career, Brad was instrumental in designing and constructing numerous Career and Technical Education projects that stand as lasting testaments to his skill and leadership. Among them are the gazebos at Mars Hill University and on the Island in Marshall, the covered entrance at Madison High School, and the recently student-constructed home on Walnut Creek Road. Each project reflected his commitment to excellence and his belief in giving students real-world opportunities to build both structures and confidence.

Brad's impact and legacy in our community will endure in the classrooms he shaped, the programs he strengthened, and the countless lives he changed. Through his patient guidance, many students discovered not only a trade, but a pathway and a future.

Brad will be remembered for his steady hands, generous spirit, and the enduring foundations he built in both wood and in the hearts of those he taught.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, with Pastor Allen Rash and Reverend Bryan Sams officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Madison County Transportation Authority 387 Long Branch Road, Marshall, NC 28753, or to Breakthrough T1D, P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042 for juvenile diabetes.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.