Franklin Winn

Franklin Winn (1927-2004), the youngest of a family of nineteen children, grew up in nearby Wilsons, Va., but lived most of his life in Blackstone. A natural-born salesman, owning and operating Blackstone Emporium, Franklin was married to Rachel Royster for almost 60 years. When he passed away in 2004, he left behind his wife, three daughters and a son, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Also a natural-born artist, Franklin loved to paint old houses and rural scenes using mostly oils and some pen and ink. He created interesting wood carvings, scenes cut from copper metal, and designer sign-paintings. With no formal training, Franklin inherited the ability to find beauty in nature and to create beauty in his mind and with his hands.