Franklin Edward Oliver, 97, of Tampa, Fla., went home to be with his heavenly father on June 25, 2011.

Franklin was born in Coke, Va., on June 11, 1914. He was a retired Class A General Contractor, building many bridges and homes in the Tampa area. Franklin was an inspiration to family and friends. He was active in his church, and led a men’s Bible study group until his health began to fail a year ago.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth; his parents, James P. and Ruby Oliver, and siblings, James P. Oliver Jr., Fred J. Oliver, Davis R. Oliver, Carlton L. Oliver and Kathryn Lindsay.

He is survived by his son, Lee E. Oliver and wife Mary of Rockledge, Fla.; daughter, Carole Delong and husband Jim of Tampa; sisters, Lydia Rilee and Virginia Jenkins of Gloucester, Ruby Ann Abbott of Hampton, and Sara Frances Hubley of Merrimac, Mass. He is also survived by three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service was held on June 29 at Peninsular Christian Church, Tampa followed by interment at Myrtle Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Peninsular Christian Church Building Fund, 3600 Ballast Point Blvd., Tampa Fla. 33611.