Johnny M. Franklin

Johnny M. Franklin, Jr, age 76, of Long Beach, passed away peacefully at home on February 29, 2012, in Long Beach.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Mark Franklin, Sr; his mother, Clara Mae Blair Carter; two brothers, Charles B. Franklin and Dalton Franklin; two sisters, Elinor Franklin Sentell and Esther Paulette Franklin Brooks; and his stepfather, Enoch T. ""Slim"" Carter.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Edwyna Franklin of Long Beach; his children, Diane Franklin Fox of Long Beach, J. Mark Franklin, III (Elizabeth) of Madison, MS, and Eric Alan Franklin (Carla) of Dallas, TX; his grandchildren, Meaghan Fox Nezat (Brett), Patrick Fox, Andrew Fox, Emily Fox, Alexandra Franklin, Ford Franklin, Creed Franklin, Shelby Franklin, and Georgia Franklin; a great granddaughter, Emerson Nezat; and his siblings, Mary Ellen Carter Sanders, Eve Ann Carter Strickland, Robert T. Carter, Johnny Mack Franklin, and Theresa Franklin Parnell.
Growing up in the Lightning Point area of Pascagoula, Johnny enjoyed playing football, sandlot baseball, and fishing. He also lived for a time near Littlefield, TX, returning to Pascagoula as a young teenager. As a boy, he worked in West Texas cotton fields and delivered newspapers and processed shrimp in Pascagoula. He played football at Pascagoula High School and graduated in 1955. Soon after high school, he began a long career in the telephone industry with Southern Bell, retiring after 35 years with BellSouth. He began his career installing phones and retired as a central office operations manager. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He also served in the Army National Guard in the late 1950's and early 60's.
Johnny took great pride in his children and even more in his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He thoroughly enjoyed attending their dance recitals, music programs and baseball, basketball, and football games. He loved being with his good friends in the Holland Memorial Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Long Beach. Johnny was a loving husband, patient father, and faithful friend. He will be missed.
In a notebook of his memories, Johnny wrote, ""I love my Lord. He takes care of me and I know that He is able to keep that which I committed unto Him until that day.""
The family expresses their thanks for the care and kindness of Dr. Douglas Lanier, Dr. Joseph O'Gorman, Jonelle, and Kay.
Memorial donations may be made to: 'His Church Rising' in care of First Baptist Church of Long Beach, 300 N. Cleveland Ave, Long Beach, MS 39560.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd, Long Beach. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Long Beach, with a visitation 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow at Long Beach City Cemetery.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.