It was a long hard day as he pushed through a strenuous physical therapy session, managed to down two bottles of chocolate Boost despite the nausea, and ignore the gentle nagging of his daughter to get to bed. Regardless, this avid sports fan stayed up intently watching the Chicago Cubs – Washington Nationals baseball game and was rewarded for his efforts by witnessing his first live walk-off Grand Slam putting the Cubs up by 1 over of the Nats for the win. It is this strength and curiosity that shaped the life of Leo Dexter Franklin. Unfortunately, this vibrant life ended on August 25th in the midst of a valiant struggle with cancer.
Leo Franklin was born in the panhandle city of Pensacola, Florida. His parents Leo and Fillice Franklin welcomed their first son into the family joining his two sisters Gwen and Felice with little brother, Dariel born 2 years later. His father retired from the Navy when Leo was in elementary school and moved the family to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There he learned to brave snowstorms, rule the basketball court, create and appreciate art, in addition to loving the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Knicks. He graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in 1974 and immediately joined the Air Force seeking a life of travel and adventure. After a few years of service, he found himself stationed in Texas where he attended a beauty pageant with some friends and met a woman named Debra, whose beauty and wit captured his heart. They began their courtship and while celebrating her graduation from nursing school his suave demeanor, striking good looks, and bottle of champagne left her head over heels in love. They soon married in San Angelo, Texas and nine months later, welcomed their daughter Tracie Franklin into the world. He continued to move up the ranks in the Air Force and was stationed in Oklahoma City where the young couple had their first son, Leo Marcus. As is the norm with military families, they were soon sent orders and moved to a new base. This time they were sent to the island paradise, Guam. During their three years on the island, typhoons became a typical occurrence, the LA Dodger games were broadcast via satellite, and their second son Brandon was born completing their family. Before their tan lines became permanent, they were sent back to the continental United States to Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California. Atwater was a small family friendly town that Leo and Debra decided to call home. Their lives became a blur of sleep-overs, school sporting events, field trips and scouting activities. When Leo and Debra were itching for culture or Peking duck, they piled the kids into the burgundy wood-paneled minivan and drove to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, or Monterrey. Leo was a devoted father who taught his children and the numerous surrogate children from the neighborhood about art, theatre, fishing, baseball, Pink Floyd, and the world’s cuisines. After 24 years, the gulf war, and numerous decorations and awards, Leo closed Castle Air Force base and moved across the country to Jacksonville, Florida. After retirement, he was finally able to pursue his passion for art and began to photograph the beauty he saw around him. With his bright smile, dry humor, and warm spirit Leo was adored by all who knew him.
He is now watching over us with his parents Fillice and Leo Franklin by his side. Left to celebrate his life is Debra Franklin, his loving wife of 40 years, his children Tracie Franklin, Brandon Franklin, and Marcus Franklin, siblings Gwen Galbreath, Felice Franklin, and Dariel Franklin, daughter in law Isis Franklin, son in law Freeman Robinson, and his pride and joys; his grandchildren Xavier and Cyrus Franklin. The legacy of Leo’s quirky humor, passion for art, love of sports, and zest for life will live on through them.
The visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 in Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 in Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, followed by interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 641-9755.
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