Obituaries

Early Gifford Franklin, 90, long time resident of Sherman, passed away Sunday, October 19th, at Pecan Point Assisted Living Facility, which had been his home for the past 2-1/2 years. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends. The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 21st, at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman. Graveside services - with military honors -are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22nd, in Lowes Creek Cemetery in Ozark, Arkansas. Roy Duff and Dr. Jeremy Franklin Duff will officiate. Mr. Franklin, fun loving and always a hard worker, was often called Mr. 'Early' by his friends. He was born on the family farm in Ozark, AR, on August 12, 1924, to William Henry Franklin and Gussie Early Franklin. One of eleven children, he learned the value of family and sharing together. During World War II, he was trained to be a paratrooper, and later as a prison guard in the United States Army. After the war, he met and married the love of his life, Joyce Maxine Pettit in Gainesville, TX. They were blessed with three daughters during their 46 years of marriage. Upon the death of his wife, Early married Joyce Hill of Sherman. In 1962, Early and his family moved to Sherman where he was a member of East Sherman Baptist Church. He also began a career with Chapman Inc., where he served in many capacities. He formed a close friendship with Mr. E. B. Chapman and Elis Olmstead, until his retirement. After his retirement from Chapman Inc. in 1980, he moved to Pottsboro and helped manage the Lazy C Ranch for Mr. Chapman. During his years in Pottsboro, Mr. Franklin was a member of Georgetown Baptist Church. Early's hobbies included hunting and growing a large garden. He had a profound gift of giving and sharing, from vegetables to material needs. He shared whatever he grew with friends and family and even strangers. Even in his later days, that gift transferred to helping his friends at Pecan Point from serving them coffee or helping roll their wheel chairs to the dining room or on outings. He was truly a special, loving father, grandfather, uncle and friend, that leaves a void in many hearts to heal. Mr. Franklin is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Joyce, daughters Sheila Brock and Deborah Ann Franklin, grandson Alan Ray Duff, five brothers and four sisters. He is survived by daughter Paula Duff and husband Roy, of Pottsboro, sister Mont Deaton of Ozark, AR, grandchildren: Sarah and Mark Rolnick of Whitesboro, Christie Thomas and fiancé Tyree of Pottsboro, Brandon Thomas of Dallas, Dr. Jeremy Duff and Tracy of Wichita Falls, Julie and Josh Ireland of Howe, and ten great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special 'Thank You' to Mr. Early's caregivers at Pecan Point and to Home Hospice of Grayson County, for the special loving care extended to him in his last days. If desired, memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to Home Hospice of Grayson County at 505 W. Center St. in Sherman, TX (75090).