Mr. Ralph Franklin

**Obituary for Ralph Franklin** Ralph Franklin, age 89, of Decatur, GA, peacefully departed this life on May 12, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Haven Personal Care Home in Atlanta, GA. In his final hours, he was surrounded with love by his daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughter, and his niece, Carla. Ralph was born on January 3, 1937, in Atlanta, GA, to the late Obbie, Sr. & Essie Lee Gill Franklin. He was one of twelve children born into a large family whose roots ran deep throughout their community. Raised in the Edgewood community of Atlanta, Ralph attended Wesley Avenue Elementary School, and David T. Howard High School in the Atlanta Public School System. He enjoyed sports throughout his life and especially loved football, basketball, and baseball. Ralph also found joy in cleaning his home, cooking, doing yard work, fishing, traveling, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Ralph dedicated over 35 years of faithful service to the United Auto Workers and the General Motors Assembly Plant in Doraville, Georgia, where he worked as a full-time assembly line worker building automobiles alongside several of his relatives. After retirement, he continued working part-time for A-National Limousine Service in Atlanta, transporting pilots and flight attendants between the airport and their hotels. Ralph worked hard and took pride in providing for his family. Once fully retired, Ralph treasured the simple things most, such as relaxing at home reading the newspaper, watching tv, spending time with his granddaughters, as well as caring for and spending time with his German Shepherd, Max. Anyone who knew Ralph knew he had charm, confidence, a sense of humor, he loved driving nice cars, and he was also a ladies’ man. He lived life fully and loved deeply. Ralph was first married to Alma Ruth Franklin, and from that union came his late son, Ralph Sylvester Franklin, and his oldest daughter, Janice Franklin. During his second marriage to the late Daisy Mae Franklin, his youngest daughter, Dedra Franklin was born. Later, his third marriage to Josephine Franklin gave him four bonus children…a stepdaughter, the late Sandra Walker, and three stepsons, Darrell Cross, Michael Banks & Marcus Banks, all of whom he loved as his own. Ralph’s last romantic relationship was with his longtime friend, Eula Freeman, and he assisted her with raising her daughter, Litisha “TJ” Johnson Buxton, as if she was his own daughter as well. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his second wife, Daisy Mae Franklin, his son, Ralph Sylvester Franklin, and his siblings, Obbie Franklin Jr., William Jack Franklin, Jessie Franklin, Johnny Franklin, Hubbard Franklin, Otis Franklin Sr., Essie Laverne Franklin, Juanita Martin, Edna “Sister” Turner, and Clifford Franklin. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: Odessa Franklin (sister-in-law, Clifford’s wife); his brother, Ernest Franklin (Hattye, sister-in-law); daughters, Janice Franklin & Dedra Franklin Pledger; granddaughters, Erica Franklin, Diamond Franklin, Laila Gaylord & Jermiya Pledger; three great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his love, laughter, and presence. Ralph Franklin’s legacy will live on through the many people he loved, protected, and provided for throughout his 89 years of life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. To honor Ralph's life, a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy Decatur, GA 30034. Friends and family are also invited to a visitation at the same location, where memories will be shared and his life celebrated. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire those who knew him.

Tributes

Mr. Ralph Franklin

January 3, 1937 - May 12, 2026