Donald Ray Franklin

Donald Ray Franklin of the Finch Community, near Paragould, was born December 2, 1938 in Trumann. He left this life to join his saviour on February 10, 2016.

He was raised in Cross County on the family farm. He started working and learned to repair almost anything before starting his career as an electronic technician with Sears for 25 years all the time keeping to his farming roots, gardening and caring for horses. Even during retirement he continued to work for local companies like Prestolite, Boling Security, East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging, and as an independent transporter until age 75 when his health forced him into complete retirement.

He was a member and servant of the Lord at Trinity Baptist Church in Dixie, He loved singing praises to the Lord and passed it on to his children.

He is survived by his wife, Meredith Raye Franklin of the home; his children, Bob Franklin of Clarksville and Sharon Phillips of Jonesboro; five step-children, Keith Watkins of Paragould, Douglas Watkins of Baltimore, MD, Gwen Webb of Mckinney, TX, Chris Watkins of Little Rock and Dana Jones of Paragould; one brother, Bill Franklin of Hernando, MS; two sisters, Wanda Altman of Fayettevillle and Francis Merrill of Harrisburg, sixteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and many friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be Saturday from 4-6 pm at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Dixie. Service will be Sunday at 2 pm at the church. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery. Pallbearers include Kyler Brinkley, Spencer Jones, Matthew Franklin, Derek Watkins, Kyle Cooper, Brad Calwell. Honorary Pallbearers are Jamie Martin and Shane Vause. Memorials can be made to Trinity Missionary Baptist Church or Pine Log Cemetery. Online tributes at www.heathfuneralhome.com