Tommy Dale Franklin

Tommy Dale Franklin of Navarre, FL passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He was 80 years old. 

Tommy was born in Holmes County, FL on May 23, 1943, to the late Elbert Steven Franklin and Jean Franklin. He was a graduate of Graceville High School and a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Tommy grew up the son of a farmer and was the Rural Electric Association Co-op Manager. He served 26 and half years in the United States Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, then worked 10 years for the state of Florida. Tommy was saved in 1972 and did his best to serve God, his wife, and his family. Next to his salvation, his crowning achievement was the 63 years he was married to his devoted bride. 

He was predeceased by his father, Elbert Steven Franklin; his mother, Jean Franklin; and his brothers, Benny Elbert Franklin and Joe Bruce Franklin. 

Tommy is survived by his wife, Betty Louise Franklin; his daughter, Cindy (Jim) Eiland of Pensacola, FL; his son, Tommy (Molly) Franklin, Jr. of Biloxi, MS; four grandchildren, Karl Bond of Americus, GA, Andrew Franklin of Orlando, FL, Heather (Isaiah) Worch of Fairbanks, AK and Sommer Franklin of Biloxi, MS; his siblings, Patsy Franklin Riley of Graceville, FL, Bobby (Ginny) Franklin of Hobe Sound, FL and Becky (Phillip) Hornsby of Dothan, AL; his sister-in-law, Lanette Franklin of Corpus Christi, TX; as well as one uncle and many nieces and nephews. 

The family wishes to offer special thanks to Summerhouse Bay Cove Memory Care Center and Notre Dame Hospice for their support in Tommy's final months and days. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Notre Dame Hospice or Summerhouse Bay Cove Memory Care Center. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:15 am on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Avenue in Biloxi, MS with Rev. Michael White officiating. Friends may visit from 10:30 am until service time. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 pm at Biloxi National Cemetery. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Tommy Dale Franklin.