Franklin B. Fridley

Franklin Bernard Fridley, 79, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, with his loving wife Diane by his side.

He was born on September 5, 1945, in Staunton to the late Dorothy Louise Fridley-Zimbo.

Franklin had a real passion for softball and spent many happy days on the field with his teammates. He also enjoyed shooting pool and never turned down a good game. NASCAR was one of his favorite pastimes, and he could often be found watching races. He loved old cars-especially his pride and joy, a 1991 Chevy truck.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Lynn Fridley; his brothers, Rockie Austin Zimbro and B. Ronald Fridley “Sugar” and his wife, Ruby; his stepchildren, Christy Bottenfield and Joseph Fitzgerald, and his wife, Whitney; his grandchildren, Dacardi and Christal “Babygirl” Fomby; and Jayden, Aubrey, and Avery Fitzgerald; his brother-in-law, Earl “The Pearl” Mawyer; numerous other brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law; and his four children.

In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his brother, Wendell Mitchell Zimbro.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton with Pastor Chuck Boone.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Legacy Hospice, especially Diane, Trish “Grandma,” Nevin Yoder, NP, Dr. Patrick Baroco, and all the staff who cared for him over the past eighteen months.

Henry Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.