Paul Allen Franklin Jr.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Paul Allen Franklin, Jr. was received into the arms of the Lord following a short illness on Thursday, December 16. Paul was born in Thomasville, Georgia, the son of Paul Sr. and Bessie Louise (Clark) Franklin. He was a life-long member of the church and remained faithful throughout his life. His favorite scripture was John 3:16.

Paul was never afraid of hard work. As a young boy he boiled, bagged, and sold peanuts at local Thomasville businesses. He cut many yards of grass and maintained a paper route as well. Paul graduated from Thomasville High School where he lettered in track and basketball. He attended Georgia Southwestern College, Northwestern Missouri State University, and later earned an associate degree in the Technology of Insurance. He worked in leadership positions for several major insurance companies, including United Fidelity Life Insurance Company, :Life of Virginia, and Guaranty Life of FLorida, before starting his own company, Franklin Insurance Agency in Jacksonville. Paul also served his country in the United States Army in Korea, Georgia and Florida, and was discharged with honor as a 100% disabled American Veteran. Paul enjoyed coaching sports and was active in many community and church leagues. He served as head baseball coach for the Southside Athletic Association (Tadpole League) and coached Gray "Y" basketball. In his own words, he "loved kids!" In his later years, he and Viola rescued and raised his grandson in their home. He is remembered for his nightly prayers and his infectious sense of humor.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Barbara, and his brother, James, and he will be sadly missed by his many dear friends. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Viola, his stepdaughter, Dr. Patricia Boehm, and his grandson, Travis; Children, Michael (Kim), Scott (Jennifer), and Trevor of Jacksonville, Florida; Sister, Carol Monk (Ernie) of Tallahassee, Florida. Paul’s beloved cat, Princess, is still looking for him. Upon cremation, a private family service and burial at Oaklawn will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to you favorite animal rescue society or to the Thomasville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2790, Thomasville, Georgia 31799.