Sept. 14, 1952 – Oct. 23, 2018

NATCHEZ — Services for Johnny Earl Franklin, 66, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at his residence, will be 9 a.m. Friday at Christian Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. John Scott Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home.        
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Mr. Franklin was born Sept. 14, 1952, in Natchez, the son of the Rev. William Franklin and Virginia Franklin.
He was employed as a fire marshal and served in the U.S. Air Force.
Franklin was retired.
He enjoyed cruising, fishing, photography and assisting veterans.
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Cerrita; and one brother, James “Pig” Franklin.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Willie Lorraine Fleming-Franklin; two brothers, Bill “Ora” Franklin and Frederick Franklin and wife, Michelle; two sisters, Maggie Hayes and Ozella Franklin; four children, Patrick Thompson, Eric Franklin, Tanya Franklin and William Franklin; and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be the class of 1970.