Buford Buddy Franklin Obituary (1933 - 2014)

Buford "Buddy" Franklin, 80, of Cleveland, TX was called Home, Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Hospital in Houston, surrounded by loved ones. Buddy was born June 18, 1933, in Cleveland, to William and Alice Franklin. He later left Cleveland, and joined the Army at age 17, and later settled in Houston. On May 25, 1967, Buddy married the love of his life, Joann. Together, they raised 10 children. They had a love and marriage that most only dream of having. Buddy was a loving Husband, Father, Pawpaw, Brother, Uncle, Father-in-law, Brother-in-law, and Friend. He would do anything for anyone, and never thought twice about doing it. He had a smile and laugh that filled up a room. He was very active and lived life to the fullest, even to the very end. He loved telling stories of his days in the army, when he was stationed in Germany, and was part of the 82nd Airborne. Even after leaving the army, he continued jumping and made over 400 parachute jumps. Other than spending time with his family and friends, his greatest love was fishing. If the weather permitted, you could find him out on the lake with his hook in the water. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, William and Alice Franklin, his two sisters, Ruby Lee Hilscher and Pearl Knapp. He is, also, preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Sabrina Powers, who we are sure is sitting on his lap, now, smiling down on us. He is survived by wife, Joann Franklin; son, James Franklin; daughter, Debbye Brown and husband, Bobby; son, Carl Parker and wife, Jan; daughter, Kay Keels and husband, Wayne; daughter, Sherry Morris; daughter, Pam Harrell and husband, Rick; son, B.W. Franklin; son, Kenny Franklin and wife, Cheri; daughter, Kim Raney and husband, Chris; daughter, Andrea Franklin and husband, Greg; grandchildren; Stephanie, Glenn, Pamela, Chris, Nihla, Jacquelin, Melissa, Alicia, Jordan, Stephen, Joannah, Jenelle, Kenny, Jr., James, Jr., Michael, Patrick, Linsey, Kelsie, Gregory, and Kristyn; 17 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Services will be held, Friday, February 28, 2014 at Montague Church of Christ off FM 1725 in Cleveland, TX. The viewing will begin at 1 p.m. and the service will begin at 2 p.m.