Gary Lee Franklin

Gary Lee Franklin, 85, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at home in Sherwood, AR. Born January 27, 1936 in Pettis County, Missouri, he was one of eight children of Russell George and Edith M. (Van Dyke) Franklin. On September 18, 1987 in Fort Worth, Texas he was united in marriage to Ruth (Freeman) Franklin.

Gary was a 1954 graduate of Smith-Cotton School of Sedalia, Missouri. After graduation, he served in the United States National Guard. Gary’s railroad career was a total of 46 years and began in the Missouri Pacific Shops as a coach-builder where he also completed the Carman apprenticeship program. Throughout his railroad career, he worked in North Little Rock, AR; Chicago, IL; Palestine, TX; Dallas, TX; and then back to North Little Rock, AR where he was Foreman over the Union Pacific Railroad Paint Shop.

Gary was a former member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening raising beautiful tomatoes and hundreds of cucumbers as well as growing his huge, prized elephant ears. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time at his River House on the banks of the White River in Norfork, Arkansas where he enjoyed opening his home to many friends and family members.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Franklin, and three daughters and one son: Connie Medeiros of Edmond, OK; Amy Fenner (Victor) of San Leon, TX; Claudia Fields (Eddie) of Sherwood, AR; and Mark Franklin of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Hickam, of Sedalia; a brother, William Franklin, of Seattle, WA; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Deanna Bohon Franklin, the mother of Connie, Amy, and Mark; his parents, Russell and Edith Franklin; three brothers, George Franklin, Robert Franklin, and Carl Franklin; and two sisters, Dorothea Lappat and Helen McFatrich.

Casket bearers will be Doyle Rankins, Jim Pool, Victor Fenner, Shane Willard, Eddie Fields, and Grayson Fields. Honorary bearers will be Zac Franklin and John Fenner.

Friends can pay their respects and sign the guest book 2-7 PM on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home in North Little Rock, AR. Funeral will be held via private ceremony for intimate family only officiated by Pastor Allan Hudson of Grace Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Church, P.O. Box 794, North Little Rock, AR 72115 or to the City of Sherwood Animal Shelter, 6500 North Hills Blvd., Sherwood, AR 72120.

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