Louis Leon Franklin, 81, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022. He was born April 2, 1941, to Benjamin and Georgia Franklin. Louis had a fondness for NASCAR, stock car racing, cigarettes, Mountain Dew, and Coca-Cola. He enjoyed traveling and working in his yard and garden. He loved his family greatly and longed to be reunited with his wife of 53 years, Barbara. If the world was full of casinos, Grandpa could have walked and gambled forever.
Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Franklin; daughter, Patricia Beasley; brothers, James Franklin, Benny Franklin, Donnie Franklin, Jerry Franklin; and sisters, Wanda Ishamel and Thelma Franklin.
Survivors include his son, Robert Franklin (Angie); daughter, Sylvia Murray; brothers, Alan Franklin, Carl Franklin; sisters, Elizabeth Bateman, Mable Mullins; grandchildren, Mindy Murray, Justin Franklin, Caleb Franklin, Brock Shipman, Alayna Perrin; and great-grandchildren, Kaylyn Franklin, Blaykleigh Perrin, Brody Shipman, and Knoxlee Shipman.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 12, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Marlin Ray officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery.
Justin Franklin, Jonathan Arant, Joseph Bateman, Chance Keating, Zach Hazelwood, and Paul White will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Gary Gilliam, Major Ray, and John Messer.