Sammy W. "Bill" Franklin

On the evening of Saturday, September 9, 2017, Bill Franklin went to be with the Lord. He was 81 years old.

Bill was born on July 21, 1936 and was raised in Sandersville, Georgia by his loving parents, the late Wade and Willie Lee Thomason Franklin. He was a local football star at Sandersville High School, where he graduated in 1955. Bill continued his education at South Georgia College, where he played for the legendary Coach Bobby Bowden on his first college team. Following college, he joined the United States Army serving under General Westmoreland in the101st Airborne Special Service Paratroopers, while also playing football for Army. After his years in the service, Bill owned and operated Franklin Battery and Electric in Warner Robins for 53 years. Franklin Battery and Electric was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Company of the Year Award. Bill served on the Warner Robins Chamber Board for two terms, the WRING (Warner Robins Industry Now Group), and as a past President of the Warner Robins Jaycee’s, where he once won the Jaycee President of the Year for Georgia. He was a lifetime member of the Warner Robins Demons Touchdown Club, where he served as president for two years and has been awarded the Sam Walton Humanitarian Award in the past. Bill was a member of Oakland Baptist Church. Of all the incredible accomplishments in Bill’s life, his greatest treasure and source of pride was his incredible family.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of 54 years, Tina Franklin of Bonaire; children, Tammy Paulk (J.W.) of Wray, Georgia; Steve Franklin of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Sarah Paulk, Abby Paulk; Lauren Franklin; Mackenzie Franklin; and many other beloved family members.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2017 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Sammy W. “Bill” Franklin
to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or Encompass Home Health and Hospice, 5233 Riverside Dr., Suite C, Macon, GA 31210.