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Longtime “Voice Of The WSSU Rams”
Passes
April 4, 2005
Winston-Salem, NC - Bill Franklin, the man who served as the “Voice
of the WSSU Rams” on WSNC Radio 90.5 FM for 24 seasons
passed away on Sunday morning in his home in Winston-Salem,
NC.
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Bill Franklin |
Franklin, the longtime play-by-play announcer for Winston-Salem
State University football and basketball was synonymous with
the coverage of WSSU Athletics for almost a quarter-century.
Even at 60 years old, Franklin brought a youthful exuberance
and enthusiasm to his coverage of WSSU football and basketball
games and was a mentor to countless WSSU Mass Communication
majors.
Franklin served as the general manager of WSSU’s on-campus
WSNC 90.5 FM radio station for nine years. Prior to his nine
years serving as the general manager of WSNC 90.5 FM, Franklin
was with WAIR-AM (1340) in Winston-Salem, NC for 12 years.
Williams started in the communications business his freshman
year at North Carolina A & T State University, an institution
that he attended until 1966.
He was a multi-faceted individual and he had been a professional
furniture designer and entrepreneur for 37 years. He is credited
with the design and implementation of signage at several sporting
arenas, including Erricson Stadium, the Charlotte Coliseum,
and the Georgia Dome while working with American Sign and Indicator
Co. out of Spokane, Washington.
Franklin was found in his home in Winston-Salem, NC by a member
of his church after no one had heard from him in several days
officials confirmed.
He is the survived by four children, Janine (40), Jennifer
(27), a former Washington Redskin and Dallas Cowboy cheerleader,
Jessica (23), and William III (17).
“It was shocking to hear the tragic news of Bill’s
passing. In athletics, people always talk of key athletes being
hard to replace," said WSSU Director of Athleics Dr. Chico
Caldwell. "In my opinion, replacing a man like Bill Franklin
will be far
more
difficult
a task
than
replacing
a
key athlete.
His knowledge of WSSU Athletics, and his dedication to the
University and the Athletic Department over the past 24 years
have been second to none. Though he is no longer with us, his
legacy will live on forever. Finding someone to try to fill
the void left behind by his passing will be difficult as very
few people knew WSSU Athletics as well as Bill. However, through
his teaching efforts with the younger generations of WSSU students
and fans, it may make it easier to find someone who may allow
us to carry on his legacy. That legacy will undoubtedly live
on in the WSSU Athletic Department, local community and University
family. He will be sorely missed.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
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