Walter Franklin, Sr.

Walter Edward Franklin, Sr., born March 19, 1935, in Nugent, MS, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Albert Fred Franklin, Sr. and Lorena Williamson Franklin; his brothers, Albert F. Franklin, Jr. and James B. Franklin; his son-in-law, Joe McKay, Sr.; and his great granddaughter, Fallyn Starr Spiers-McKay.

Walter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sallie May Franklin; his daughters, Nicki Franklin and Gwynn McKay; his son, Walter “Eddie” Franklin, Jr.; his grandsons, Walter Franklin, III and Joseph McKay, Jr. (Kymberly); his great granddaughters, Danyelle Thomas and Kyndell Tedford; his sister-in-law, Theresa May; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a charter member of the Joppa Shrine and Hamasa, and a 32nd degree Mason. Walter served in the U.S. Army and was in the Naval Reserve.  He retired from Masonite in Gulfport.

Walter coached and sponsored local softball and Little League teams in Lyman.

He will be greatly missed by all, especially his quick wit and fun-loving ways.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 9, 2021. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport.  Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.