Rev. Dr. James W. Franklin, 87, of Turnerville, Georgia, formerly of Fitzgerald and Ocilla, died Friday, September 25.
Dr. Franklin was born in Helena, GA on September 10, 1922 to the late Rev. Arthur William and Reta Browning Franklin. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lunelle Powell Franklin, and was the widower of Betty Jo Smith Franklin. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lois White and brothers, Clarence, Horace and Alvin Franklin. Dr. Franklin was awarded his Doctor of Divinity from Brewton-Parker College, his Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary and earned his B.A. Degree from Mercer University. He taught and coached for 2 years at Brewton-Parker College; then, went on to pastor at the following churches, Meigs Baptist Church, Ocilla Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Cornelia. Dr. Franklin served on the Southern Baptist Convention Home Mission Board. He also served on the Board o f Directors and as a Trustee of Brewton-Parker College. Dr. Franklin retired as Director of Missions for the Georgia Baptist Convention South Central Area Mission Program. He was a beloved man by many and will be missed by all.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, James William (Jimmy) Franklin Jr. and Libby Franklin, Tallulah Falls, GA; step son and step daughter-in-law, Dr. Robert (Bob) and Col. Jeanette Booth, St. Augustine, FL; step son, Tom Booth, Stone Mountain, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Eunice Franklin and Otis Shead, Hiawassee, GA; 3 step grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Booth, Natalie Booth and Chris Booth.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at the First Baptist Church of Cornelia with Rev. David Turner officiating. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the Evergreen Cemetery, Fitzgerald, GA with Director of Missions, Rev.Jim Faircloth and Rev. David Turner officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA.
In lieu of flowers donation may be made to First Baptist Church of Cornelia, P.O. Box 96, Cornelia, GA 30531 or to Brewton-Parker College, P.O. Box 197, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of local arrangements.