Franklin was born to the late Hoyt and Rachel Tipton on February 5, 1942 in Walland, Tennessee. As a high school graduate, he enlisted in the military and became a member of the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division of the United States Army. Franklin was a member of the American Legion Post 258 in Jonesboro, Georgia and also served as a past master of Rex Masonic Lodge 251. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6330 as well. Franklin never met a stranger and always had a story or a joke to tell. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Hoyt and Rachel Tipton, Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Carolyn Paulette Tipton and one son, Timothy Ray Tipton. He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Rachelle Cowart of Jonesboro, GA; a special friend, Teresa Jones of Ellenwood, GA; four siblings, Len Tipton (Brenda), Edie Brown (Dick), Lori Crook (Richard), and Brenda Horton; six grandchildren, Tabatha Denson, Ashley Bell (David), Kenny Cowart, Amanda Crawley (James), Andrew Tipton, and Amber Wright (Robert); nine great-grandchildren, many cousins, extended relatives, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home – Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Road Stockbridge, GA 30281. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 1:00PM at The VFW Post 6330 | 732 Veterans Parkway Jonesboro, GA 30238. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to American Legion Post 258 and VFW Post 6330.
