Jimmy Ray Franklin

Pastor Jimmy Ray Franklin, age 80, passed away on Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. Pastor Franklin was born in Dunham, KY on June 30, 1938 to the late Martin Van Buren Franklin and Anna Florence Franklin. He was united in marriage to Wilma Maxine Green on September 16, 1966 in Cleveland, Tennessee. From this union of marriage was brought two sons, Charles Ray Franklin, James Jonathan Franklin and one daughter Sarah Jennifer Renee Franklin.

Pastor Franklin was an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God, Cleveland, TN. Affectionately known to many as “Poppa & Momma” in the congregations and communities they served, Pastor Franklin along with Maxine, the love of his life for 53 years considered ministry a calling and devotion to love and service for others. Along with pastoring, he found joyful service in other organizations including the Smokey Mountain Children’s Home (Church Of God Home For Children) and Operation Compassion. He served our nation proudly in the United States Army. He loved listening to Gospel Music, people watching and commentating during sporting events (always rooting for the underdog), but most of all he loved his Lord and his family. He never met a stranger and was cherished by many.

He is preceded in death by five brothers: Martin V., William A. (and wife Nancy), Oscar W., Denney (and wife Barbara), Benney; two sisters: Lucille Morelock (and husband Lee), Jacquline Stricklind; and sister-in-law: Christine Kibble.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Maxine Franklin; two sons: Charlie Franklin and family friend Pam Watson; Jon Franklin and his wife Karen Lainhart Franklin all of Cleveland; daughter: Jennifer Franklin of VA; two granddaughters: Hannah Franklin and Rebekah Franklin of Cleveland; two brothers: Harrison (Ruth) of St. Peters, MO; Tommy (Audrey) of Thonotosassa, FL; one sister: Peggy Gray of Seffner, FL; sisters-in-law: Jackie Franklin of Oak Ridge, TN; Geri Franklin of Ocala, FL; Marlene Pritchett (Ralph) of Cleveland; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Pastor Jimmy Franklin will be Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 10:00 am-12:30 pm at North Cleveland Church of God, 335 11th Street NE, Cleveland Tennessee. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:30 pm, with Pastor Dr. Mark Williams and Bishop Mark Muncy officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be conducted at the Chattanooga National Cemetery following the service.

The family requests possible expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Operation Compassion – 114 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312