Willie L. Franklin, Sr.

Willie Lee Franklin, Sr., 61, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was called home from his labor by the Lord on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at University Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on August 29, 1960 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Nathaniel, Sr. and Laura Lee Franklin. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and later committed his love to Ms. Thelma Jean Franklin. Willie was a gentleman and giver who made it known. He especially loved his brothers, sisters, and children. If you knew Willie, then you knew how much he loved his white Chuck Taylors and keeping those white shoe strings clean. He also loved his Kangol hats, listening to R&B music, and dancing. Willie loved to play the lottery, especially the Pick 3 and Pick 4, and hit often. Willie was a well-known and skillful butcher at Runtz Meat Package Company when he was a young man. He worked there for 25 years. Willie was always smiling and upbeat whenever he called your name, he would say, "Oh! How you doing?!", and laugh right before hugging you. Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Thelma Jean Franklin; five children: Willie, Jr., Terrell Franklin, Montez Daniel, Donell Garfield, and Rosa Lee Garfield; three grandchildren, Willie Franklin III, Terrell Franklin, Jr., and Brooklyn Rose; five brothers: Nathaniel Franklin, Jr. and Nathaniel Powell of Elmore, Alabama, Earnest (Brenda) Franklin, Jerry Franklin, and Murray Franklin, all of Cincinnati; three sisters, Betty Ann Franklin, Joann Franklin, and Carolyn (Charles) Franklin-Lively, all of Cincinnati; five uncles: Robert Brown of Elmore, Alabama, Benjamin Franklin of Birmingham, Alabama, Jessie James (Daisy) Franklin of Buffalo, New York, Thomas Franklin of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Cleveland (Emma) Franklin, Jr. of Elmore, Alabama; four aunts: Francis (Roosevelt) Braxton, Rosie Mae (Bishop John) Graham, all of Millbrook, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. His memories continue to live on in the hearts of all the Franklin family members, his nieces and nephews, and friends that had the privilege of being a part of his life. May he forever live in our hearts. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022 at House of Hope Fellowship Church, 1829 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Interment: Vine Street Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the caring hands of KINLEY Funeral Home & Arrangement Center.