Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Billy Wayne Franklin of Pell City, Alabama went to be with the Lord on October 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and pets at his home in Eastaboga, Alabama.
He is survived by his longtime friend and loving wife Shirl Turner Franklin, his favorite cousin Marie Rogala of Pell City, Marilyn Graves of Worthville, Kentucky (who was like a mother to him), his close friend Barbara Dubose of Brownfield, Texas, his close friend and comrade Kenneth Walker of Atlanta, Texas, his close friend and comrade David Cotton of Georgia, and many other comrades all over the world (too many to name).
Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by both his parents Will Embry Franklin and Mary Constance Stathelson Franklin and his closest comrade and “blood brother” David Stafford of Worthville, Kentucky.
Billy retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years of service. He fought bravely in several foreign wars (Desert Storm, Kuwait and Afghanistan twice), served in domestic military missions and traveled the world extensively before settling in the great State of Texas where he attended Howard College obtaining his AS in Criminal Justice that paved the way to a decade long career as a Correctional Officer and eventually returned home to Alabama where he finally married his wife.
Mr. Franklin was enthusiastic about supporting fellow Veterans and remembering POW’s. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, music, working out, cooking, and taking care of his pets.
In leu of flowers, please consider making a one-time donation to Tunnel2Towers Foundation in memory of SFC Billy Wayne Franklin.
