Gregory Franklin

Gregory Franklin, known affectionately as Frankie, age 69, passed away on March 4, 2026.

Born in Columbus, Ohio on February 17, 1957, to Raymond and Louise Berry Franklin, Gregory graduated from Marion Franklin High School. He served ten years in the Navy before receiving an honorable discharge. In 1992, he married the love of his life, Paulette Lawson.

Gregory cherished his childhood days spent on his grandparents’ farm in Kentucky. He found joy in playing baseball, listening to music, watching westerns, grilling, and spending time with family and friends at the local jazz club. A devoted Ohio State fan, he loved following football. Known for his warm sense of humor, he drew people to him wherever he went. He worked at Harper’s Fish Market in Southfield, for Coca-Cola, and with the City of Columbus Sanitation Department.

Preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Gregory is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Paulette Franklin; his beloved daughter, Gayesha M. Franklin of Atlanta, Georgia; his brothers, Raymond (Helga) Franklin, Norman (Maxine) Franklin, and Lee Franklin, all of Kentucky, and Arthur (Talitha) Franklin and Eric (Charlene) Tillman of Columbus, Ohio; and his sisters, Omelia Williams of Kentucky, and Anita Dawson and Toni Holland of Columbus, Ohio. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.