1935
Richard
2023
Richard S. Franklin
July 19, 1935 — December 30, 2023
Burleson
Richard S. Franklin died peacefully at home on Saturday, December 30, 2023, in Burleson, TX. He was surrounded by his family and holding the hand of the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Geri. Richard spent his last days with family and eating all the food he loved. He loved candy, and it wasn’t unusual to pry a Starlight Mint or Tootsie Roll Pop from him as he fell asleep over the last few years.
Richard was born on July 19, 1935, to Helen and W.C. (Dick) Franklin in Columbus, GA. He graduated from Rockmart High School in 1955 and was drafted into the Army after he spent time in the Air Force Reserves. In the Army, he was a medic at Walter Reed Hospital. There, he met Geri, and they married in 1960. They returned to his home in Rockmart and raised their three children.
Richard worked for Marquette Cement Plant in Rockmart until the plant was closed in 1981. At that time, he moved to Wheelersburg, OH, and became the plant manager of the Superior Cement Plant. In 1988, he moved to Sweetwater, TX and became the plant manager for the Maryneal Cement Plant. After retirement, Richard and Geri moved to Burleson to be near their children.
As a young man, he repaired and built televisions in his spare time. He could fix anything and loved to tinker. He loved to fish and hunt. He also loved to woodwork and play golf. Most of all, he loved to watch his beloved Atlanta Braves and Falcons play.
Richard seemed like a quiet, stern man to most, but those who knew him best knew he was a cut-up and a softy. He loved a good cartoon and had a dry wit about him. His greatest love was his family. He played with his six grandchildren and cried openly at each milestone they had. He was well-loved and admired by his friends and family. He was excited to see the birth of his first great-grandchild, Millie, this year.
His favorite thing to do every year was attend his high school reunion. When he retired, he played golf daily, enjoyed friends, and wore fun socks. Most of all, he loved picking up his granddaughters from school and treating them to Happy Meals and ice cream. He loved to eat Happy Meals and saved the toys for his grandchildren.
He loved Christmas and insisted on decorating the house and placing hundreds of red bows on the Christmas tree. He supervised his sons and grandsons, putting up the lights and garland. Holidays were not suitable without a ginormous inflatable in the front yard. When he lived in Sweetwater, he won the “Best Decorated Home” several times. Every year, he made fudge, coconut balls, and his favorite party mix that he called “Stuff.” If you asked him, sugar was a food group.
He had several names over the years, but his favorite was Papa. Each of his grandchildren felt special and had a connection with him.
In his 80s, Richard started having health challenges, and not once did he complain. He taught his family to accept the life they were given and to make the best of it. He never worried about what he couldn’t change and lived his life to the fullest. During this time, he loved to chase his granddaughters with the electric cart at Sams's, shop online, and insist that he only eat foods he loved.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Dick Franklin, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Richard is survived by his wife Geri and his three children, Ricky (Tracey), Mike, and Karen (Roger) Derrick. Six grandchildren also survived him: Adam Franklin, Chase (Chelsea) Franklin, Troy (Shawn McElveen) Franklin, Kelly (Clay) Hensley, Kara Derrick, and Lauren Derrick, and one great-granddaughter, Mille Jane Hensley. He is also survived by Victoria Roof, Adam's future wife, on January 21, and Nick Wolf, Kara's future husband, on September 28; his brother-in-law Fred (Beth) Homer;
his sister-in-law Pat Huester; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was an only child but had many cousins and good friends. He leaves behind his beloved cousins Jane (Billy) Gore Grahm, Denny Franklin, Lea Hamilton, and his best friend Roy Cagle.
Friends and Family are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, January 9, at 3:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm. Richard will be interred at DFW National Cemetery on Wednesday, January 10, at 11:00 am.
Memorials can be made to Community Healthcare of Texas, 6100 Western Pl, Ste. 105, Fort Worth, TX 76107, or online at
www.chot.org. The family appreciates the compassionate care given to Richard and their family.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Richard S. Franklin, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Skyvue Funeral Home
Funeral Service
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
4:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Skyvue Funeral Home
Burial
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
11:30am - 12:30 pm (Central time)
Dallas- Fort Worth National Cemetery
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