AIKEN, S.C. - Dr. Harold Judson Franz, 86, died Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at his home, after a four month battle with cancer. He went to be with Jesus, his faithful Lord and Savior. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma Ristvedt Franz. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 2 pm at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 526 Hitchcock Parkway (Bypass 118), in Aiken. Dr. Franz was born in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1922, to Otto Paul and Jesse Whittimore Franz. He graduated from Providence Bible College, received his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, received a master's from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, attended Westminster Seminary, and received his doctorate from the University of Ohio. His life was marked by service to his Lord. As a young single man, he bicycled through Vermont to hold itinerant summer Bible schools for children; he also pastored two churches, in Illinois, and Vermont, where he was much loved. Harold was a gifted teacher, who held teaching posts at Valparaiso University, Bryan College, West Virginia Institute of Technology, and the University of South Carolina (Columbia and Aiken), from which he retired in 1986. Harold and Wilma were members of First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia, for 14 years, and New Covenant Church in Aiken, for 25 years, where he was elder emeritus, and taught adult Christian education. In his retirement, he received another master's at USC in counseling. He counseled through a network of Aiken churches, at Fort Jackson in Columbia, and at area prisons. Harold also helped launch the Aiken Pregnancy Care Center. Preceding Harold in death was his first daughter, Ruth Wilma, shortly after her birth.

Both daughters are involved in charitable ministry with vulnerable children in India and Kenya. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the New Covenant Church for both of their ministries.

Harold was a very beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend known for his keen intellect, his warmth and humor, and his love for his Lord Jesus. All friends are welcome to join us in celebrating his life and worshipping his Lord at the memorial service. Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, 715 East Pine Log Road, Aiken SC 29803

Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 1/23/2009