Willie Franklin

Willie Franklin was born on November 9, 1921, in Little Rock, Arkansas to his parents, Benjamin Franklin and Mayme Marable Franklin. He was the first born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Benjamin, Robert, Lawrence, Kenneth and his sister, Coleen. Growing up, he enjoyed spending quality time with his friends. He eventually relocated to Denver, Colorado and received his formal education from Manual High School. Willie enlisted in the United States Army. He served his county during World War II. He was stationed in Germany. He often talked about traveling on his birthday, through The White Cliffs of Dover located through the Strait of Dover and France. He served his country with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged. In 1940, Willie united in holy matrimony to the former Dee Dee Vaughn. To this union, Larry, Gary and William were born. In 1942, he wed Leona E. Bowlen and to this union, Willa "Ree", Gwendolyn, Ronald, Bob, and Noreen were born. On October 13, 1998, he married Sylvia Lee in Denver, Colorado. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. He was later blessed with eighteen grandchildren, thirty seven great grandchildren and twenty eight great-great grandchildren, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. By profession, Willie was the first African American Dispatch Operator for the Denver Chicago Trucking Company and the Yellow Freight Company in Denver, Colorado. He was also employed by Gems General Market. Wherever employed, Willie was the type of person who worked well with his co-workers, supervisors and the people served. He retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service. Willie was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and his one dollar bet, for whoever caught the first fish. He also had a dollar bet on the Bronco's losing. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this one of a kind guy; who leaves as legacy to be cherished and a void that can never be filled. He is preceded in death by a son, Larry Franklin; his parents; all his siblings; and former wife, Leona Franklin. Willie Franklin departed this life on his 95th birthday on November 9, 2016, in his home in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Sylvia S. Carr-Franklin; 4 sons, Gary D. Franklin, William (Marsha) Franklin, Major Ronald Franklin, all of Denver, Bobby L (Rose) Franklin; 3 daughters, Willa "Ree" Hicks, both of Aurora, Gwendolyn Davis and Noreen M. Claitt both of Denver; 18 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 28 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 11/15/2016 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 11/16/2016 at 12:00 PM - Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus - 880 Fairfax Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 11/16/2016 - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO