Louie Franklin, age 95, of Tuscaloosa, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Pine Valley Retirement Community.
Louie met the love of his life on a blind date in December, 1942. The war intervened and they subsequently married on October 11, 1947, after both graduated from Auburn.
Louie served our country in the United States Air Force for 31 years. Flying was his passion. During WWII, Louie flew the Gooney bird ‘over the hump’ in the China-Burmese theatre. He later flew the B-29 during the Korean War. Louie was called to serve in the Strategic Air Command 98th Bomb Wing in Lincoln, Nebraska, to fly the B-47 during the Cold War. From there, Louie had the opportunity to fly the C-130 during the Vietnam War and later the C-141 and C-5 with the Military Airlift Command.
Louie retired in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he and Juanita lived for 45 years, serving faithfully at Riviera United Methodist Church. He enjoyed a second career as a real estate broker as well. His golf game improved dramatically in his retirement. In 2015, Louie and Juanita moved to Tuscaloosa, AL, where it was tough to be an Auburn fan.
Louie cherished his girls, his granddaughters, his sons-in-law, and grandsons-in-law. He was delighted by his great granddaughter. Louie was a friend to many and maintained contacts through the years. He could remember everyone’s name.
We will miss forever his love, his stories, his laughter, his gentle care of our mom. But most of all, we will miss the legacy of his love for Jesus, without whom we all would be lost.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. in the Collins-Burke Chapel, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. Ed Messer will officiate.
Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his Mother-Addie Copeland; Father-Benjamin Jerry Franklin; Brothers and Sisters-Era Dean Franklin, Bertha Hyche, Ted Franklin, Ethel Nelson, John Franklin, Ruth Sexton, Pauline Clark Heath, Hub Franklin, Buddy Franklin, Buck Franklin and Joe Bob Franklin.
He is survived by his Wife-Juanita Franklin; Daughters-Anne Franklin Crawford, Patsy Emens (Steve) and Sue Messer (Ed); Grandchildren-Stephanie Emens Balzli (Chris) and Catherine Emens Black (Will); Great Grandchild-Mary Louise Balzli.
