Johnnie Ross Franklin, Jr. age 84, was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 19, 1942 & went to be with our Lord on July 8, 2026.

The son of Johnnie (Ross) & Mercedes Franklin. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio in 1960, attended San Antonio College, and graduated in 1966 from University of Texas in Austin with a BBA in Industrial Management.

He married Wanda Sue Ashcroft in 1962. They were married for 26 years, and that marriage included three children: Bryan Leigh, Brice Dean, and Piper Lynn.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bryan Leigh Franklin.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years Karen K. Franklin; son Brice Dean Franklin (Kellie) of San Antonio; daughter Piper Lynn Franklin Knutson (Gregg) of Benton, Arkansas; stepson Robert Tynes (Maki) of Bonnie Lake, Washington & stepdaughter Carla Tynes Jordon (Jeff) of Cedar Park, Texas. Grandchildren: Kayleigh Franklin, Abigail Knutson, Koen Tynes, Mira Tynes, Ryleigh Jordan & Peyton Jordan.

Johnnie went to work for East Texas Pulp & Paper Company as a management trainee in 1966. During his 33-year career at the "paper mill" he held numerous positions: Asst. Mgr. Planning Coordination; Administrative Asst. to National Sales Manager; Fiber sales Coordinator; Manager of Customer Service/Production Scheduling, and Manager of Merchant Distribution.

Johnnie was a member of The International Customer Service Association, later became a Certified Customer Service Executive by ICSA, was a member of Jaycees for several years, and recipient of the Contribution to Excellence award by Temple Inland Inc.

After retirement he continued in paperboard sales with Joe Piper Inc. for an additional 10 years in the paper industry. 

He greatly loved his family and the Lord. Membership and prayer at The Worship Place was especially rewarding and created community service opportunities such as Meals on Wheels and other volunteer programs.

Fishing adventures and time at the beach and ocean were a lifelong pastime. He enjoyed travel and adventures with his wife Karen, as well as dancing, gardening, swimming, and various social activities with family, numerous friends and neighbors.