Alfred “Shorty” Franklin, Jr., age 96 of Benton, Kentucky passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Marshall County Hospital.
Alfred was born May 26, 1926 to the late Alfred Franklin, Sr. and Velva Jackson Franklin in Davidson, Tennessee. “Shorty,” this is what we all called him, and the name fits him to a “T.”
After traveling all over the South, he finally wound up in the “Holy City,” of Benton.
When Shorty completed his freshman year of high school, he was called to join the Navy and help defend his country during WWII. In the summer of 1946 Shorty was discharged from the Navy and returned back to Benton High School where he joined back up with all his old friends and Barbara. After returning back to school he was still the same happy go lucky Shorty. He made the ‘46-’47 basketball team, and was an outstanding guard on the second team. All the senior boys envied that long black buick he drove around. All of his likes in highschool were centered around Miss Benton High, his then, future wife Barbara McGregor.
Shorty worked maintenance at Air Products chemical plant for years before retiring. He was a member of Benton United Methodist Church, now known as Three Crosses Church. For over 70 years Shorty was member of the Briensburg-TL Jefferson Masonic Lodge # 401. He enjoyed watching UK basketball, going golfing, and at one point even took an interest in stock cars. Whenever he was at home Shorty loved to piddle outside, whether he was just mowing his yard or taking care of his landscaping.
He is survived by two daughters, Gloria Franklin of Benton and Gina Howes (Jimmy) of Benton; one son, Greg Franklin of Paducah; one brother, James B. Franklin of Florence, Alabama; five grandchildren, Kaine Thompson (Carol) , Kayla Neely, Grant Franklin, Guy Howes (Bailey) and Darby Howes, and three great grandchildren, Loren Kinnis, Rett Thompson, and Jonathan Neely.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McGregor Franklin and parents, Alfred Franklin, Sr. and Velva Jackson Franklin.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made to the Three Crosses Church food pantry, 845 US Hwy 641 Spur, Benton, Kentucky, 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Three Crosses Church in Benton. Pastor Leah Howe will officiate and burial will follow at Benton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr. Visitation will also be held from 11:00 AM until the service time on Thursday, October 14, 2022 at Three Crosses Church.
You can leave hugs from home or send flowers to the family of Mr. Franklin by visiting our website at www.filbeckandcann.com.