Bobby Glyn (Doodle) Franklin went to be with his LORD and Savior on December 22, 2020 at Christus Saint Michael Hospital Texarkana, Texas at the age of 81. He was the youngest son of George & Herma Patterson Franklin and Stepmother Mary Foster Franklin born August 23, 1939 in Camden Arkansas.
He graduated from Fairview High School Camden, Arkansas class of 1957. He was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone in September 1957. Drafted to the Navy completed training as Boatswain’s Mate then served on the lead ship of the class of the United States Navy heavy cruisers USS Des Moines (CA-134). Upon completion of his 2-year enlistment to the Navy he returned to his civilian career with Southwestern Bell Telephone retiring as Construction Foreman in 1994. In his golden retired years Doodle continued 20 plus years to serve his community as a licensed Funeral Director at Herndon Pharr Funeral Home Hope Arkansas, Member of the City of Hope Board of Directors and Chairman of the planning and zoning commission. He was a 32° Mason, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Hope where he served on the session class 2021, a member of the First Methodist Church Century Bible Class for many years.
He had a true love and interest in this place called Hope and always made himself available to hear any concerns of the people who make this community. He enjoyed making his rounds to the banks, Sheba’s Restaurant & Matlock’s for coffee and chit chat. He loved people and he spoke to everyone. He made many friends in his comings & goings. He also enjoyed driving a car hauler for John Hays Chevrolet.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold Franklin and Jewell Ray (Blackie) Franklin and his eldest son Bobby Glyn Franklin Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Claudia Newton Franklin, two sons, Jimmy and his wife Kelly of Hope, Arkansas, Mickey and his wife Lovella of Shreveport, Louisiana. Four grandchildren Garrett Franklin of Mansfield, Arkansas, Braxton Franklin of San Antonio, Texas, Kelby Franklin Haynes of San Antonio, Texas, Michael Franklin of Ashdown, Arkansas. Six great grandchildren, Aaliyah Franklin, Bryson Haynes, Braeleigh Franklin, Braxton Franklin Jr, Aubrey Franklin, Saylor Haynes, three special nieces and many cousins.
A celebration of life service will be at First Presbyterian Church Hope, AR under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua funeral home Monday at 2:00 pm Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery Camden, Arkansas.
The family ask in lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution to First Presbyterian Church of Hope, Arkansas or CARTI Cancer Center Little Rock, Arkansas.
We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.