Joe Franklin

Joe was born on September 1, 1957, in Dallas, Texas, to Richard Franklin and Peggy Smith. He spent his childhood in Bokchito, Oklahoma, and Tom Bean, Texas, where he developed a lifelong love for sports. He played football, basketball, and baseball, but baseball always held a special place in his heart. If there were ever a contest for the most loyal Texas Rangers fan, Joe would have been hard to beat. He rarely missed a game and celebrated every victory as if he were part of the team.

Fishing was another lifelong passion. Whether pulling giant stripers from the Red River or chasing rainbow trout in the rivers of Arkansas, some of Joe's happiest moments were spent on the water surrounded by family. Those trips created memories that will be treasured for generations.

Joe was married to Kim Franklin for 17 years and together they welcomed two sons, Michael and Daniel. During those years, camping trips, fishing adventures, and baseball fields became the backdrop of family life. Eventually, "Dad" became "Coach Franklin," and coaching his boys became one of his greatest joys. He wasn't simply interested in developing good baseball players, he had a remarkable ability to see potential in children who often went unnoticed. He built confidence, encouraged perseverance, and reminded young athletes that who they became mattered far more than the final score. The impact he made extended well beyond the baseball field.

Professionally, Joe spent 15 years with Libbey Owens Ford in Sherman before beginning a career in retail with Lowe's and later Home Depot. Home Depot was a perfect fit for his outgoing personality. He genuinely enjoyed helping people, making them laugh, and brightening someone's day with his humor and gift for conversation.

Those who knew Joe knew he loved to laugh. He was a natural storyteller whose tales often became more colorful with each retelling. He loved to remind everyone, "I never let the truth get in the way of a good story!" His playful spirit, quick wit, and contagious laugh will be missed by all who knew him. But behind the jokes was a man fiercely devoted to those he loved. If you were family, you never questioned where you stood with Joe. He loved deeply, protected fiercely, and would do anything for those he cared about.

Later in life, Joe met the love of his life, Lisa Franklin. He moved to Burleson, Texas, to be with her during a difficult season, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and family. Joe didn't just fall in love with Lisa he embraced her entire family as his own. They shared 20 wonderful years of marriage before Lisa's passing in December 2020.

His greatest joy in later years became his grandchildren. Visits to Grandma and Pawpaw's house were filled with love, laughter, and plenty of spoiling. Whether attending ballgames, family gatherings, or simply spending time together, Joe treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives.

One of Joe's greatest legacies wasn't found in sports, work, or even family traditions. It was found in two simple words: "I'm sorry." In the later years of his life, Joe intentionally worked to reconcile relationships with the people he loved. His humility, willingness to seek forgiveness, and desire to restore broken relationships became one of the clearest reflections of the man he was becoming.

After losing Lisa, Joe's faith in Jesus Christ became the foundation of his life. His relationship with Christ was renewed and strengthened, giving him a peace that carried him through life's greatest hardships. As his health declined, he spoke openly about Heaven, his confidence in Jesus, and his anticipation of being reunited with Lisa. He faced death not with fear, but with hope, because he knew whom he had trusted.

Joe is survived by his sister, Theresa Franklin of Bokchito, Oklahoma; his son Michael Franklin and wife Ashley of San Antonio, Texas; his son Daniel Franklin and wife LeAudra of Bentonville, Arkansas; stepson Tony Petrie and wife Kimberly of Cleburne, Texas; stepdaughter Sandi Davis and husband Buddy of Midland, Texas; stepson Jeremy Petrie and wife Traci of Cleburne, Texas; and 17 beloved grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peggy and James Smith, and his beloved wife, Lisa Franklin.

A private graveside for those who loved him will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas, with Wade Bryant officiating.

Though Joe's earthly story has come to an end, the love he poured into his family, the confidence he built in young athletes, the laughter he shared, and the faith he found in Jesus will continue to echo through the lives of those who knew him. We rejoice knowing that he has heard the words every believer longs to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

If Joe were writing the ending himself, he'd probably remind us one last time, "I never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

But the truth is, the greatest story of his life wasn't one he told.

It was the story God wrote.

A story of a father who loved fiercely. A coach who saw potential where others overlooked it. A grandfather who adored his grandchildren. A husband who cherished the love of his life. A man humble enough to say, "I'm sorry," and courageous enough to seek reconciliation. And ultimately, a redeemed sinner who placed his faith in Jesus Christ and found the peace, forgiveness, and hope that only He can give.

That is the story Joe would want remembered.

Until we meet again.