Rev. Franklin R. Wakefield

Rev. Franklin Ruben Wakefield affectionately called “Deac” was born in Webster County, Georgia on February 24, 1934 to the late Rev. Theodore Roosevelt (T.R.) Wakefield Sr. and the late Arrena (Raven) Wakefield. He was the ninth of ten children. The Wakefield's were residents of Plains; GA. Franklin grew up in the Archery community and joined St. Mark AME Church at an early age.

Rev. Franklin Wakefield worked on his father’s farm in Webster County, GA. and was a Laborer at Southern Lumber Company in Preston/Damus. Franklin later worked in Albany, Georgia as a laborer at the Marine Corps Base.

In 1953, He relocated to Jacksonville FL. He soon returned to Americus, GA to marry his bride Roxie Lee {Laster} Wakefield on Dec. 25, 1954. Rev. Franklin & Roxie were married for 61 years before he succumbed to death.

Franklin & Roxie joined The Greater Grant Memorial AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida in 1955. Franklin was a Stewart at Greater Grant Memorial AME for many years. Throughout the many years, he was known for demonstrating a giving heart financially, and spiritually, and was a man of wisdom to give sound advice and strategy. He was a minister of the gospel for over 30 years; touching lives and assisting with building churches across the city. He was also a part of the Prayer Bands/Prayer Teams across the city during the 70's.

Rev. Wakefield had a distinguished career as a Longshoreman for over 40 years. He rose from a laborer to the ranks of a Header/Foreman and acquired many skills along the way. He was commended by the federal government and other logistic companies for his dedication and impeccable service on the ports during Desert Storm. Rev. Wakefield was a proud member of the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1408, where he retired in 2003. As a Longshoreman he pioneered the way for many to become successful in the industry; including several of his children, nephews and friends. Franklin was also a business owner of White Swan Barbeque Restaurant, Property Owner and Manager in FL & GA. He was also a distributor of Health and Wellness products such as (Rawleigh/Shacklee Products & Noni Juice).

He was also active in the Civil Rights Movement that include walking with Dr. Martin Luther King during the Freedom March in Selma, AL. Rev. Franklin Wakefield’s hobbies were playing and enjoying baseball and repairing older cars.

He was preceded in death by his Step-Mother Ms. Jewel Mclendon Wakefield, Montezuma, GA., Bertha Schely Wakefield. Brothers: Elder Theodore Roosevelt Wakefield Jr. (Mary Nellie), Mrs. Vera Mae Wakefield Gardner (James), Plains, GA., Mr. Thomas A. Wakefield Sr. (Carrie), Americus GA., Mr. Willie Wakefield (Marilyn), Mr. Samuel V. Wakefield, Jacksonville, FL., Sister: Mrs. Daisy B. Wakefield King (Martin), Jacksonville, FL.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife; Mrs. Roxie Lee Laster Wakefield and he has 11 children (4 sons & 7 daughters) Ms. Mary Helen Wakefield, Jacksonville, FL., Mr. Ruben Franklin Wakefield, Tampa, FL., Pastor Darryl Wakefield, Sr. (Mercy), Jacksonville, FL., Ms. Beverly Stokes, Jacksonville, FL., Mr. Fred Wakefield (Rosalind), Jacksonville, FL., Ms. Lore Ann Wakefield, Jacksonville, FL., Ms. Kathy Wakefield-Ball, Jacksonville, FL., Mr. Bradley Wakefield (Terry), Ms. Deloris Washington, Jacksonville, FL., Mrs. Therese V. Gamble (Earnest Sr.), Jacksonville, FL., Ms. Rose Mary Wakefield (Fiancée Dale) of Jacksonville, FL., 23 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

One Brother; Mr. Herman Wakefield (Bobbie), Oakland, CA., two sisters; Mrs. Naomi Thomas (Bennie), Americus, GA. and Ms. Mary Minion, Plains, GA., Sister-In-Law-Mrs. Dorothy Wakefield, Jacksonville, FL.

Neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Dorothy Lovett, Viola Braxton, Shelley Morris, and Longtime friend Mrs. Lillian Robinson. He also has a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins he loved dearly.

Arrangements entrusted to Hardage Giddens Funeral Home 729 S Edgewood Ave. Jax. Fl. 32205, where a public visitation for family and friends will be held Friday December 16, 2016 from 5-7 pm. This will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 am Saturday December 17, 2016 at Builders of Faith Church 5900 Ricker Rd. Jacksonville 32244 and the committal service at Edgewood Cemetery 4519 Edgewood Drive Jacksonville, FL. 32219.