Herbert Franklin

Herbert H. Franklin, age 87 of Portland passed away January 8, 2017 at NHC Place in Gallatin. Mr. Franklin was born in Lawrence County, TN on October 12, 1929 to the late Hardy and Laura Franklin. Mr. Franklin was devoted to the Lord, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; always being faithful with his love for them. He was confident in his abilities to achieve what he needed to support his family; he was so confident and brave that he would pack up and move anywhere in search of better pay for his family. He was a very talented singer. He played guitar and sang; in later years he sang with soundtracks and recorded 17 albums to leave for his family. Last but certainly not least, he was a teacher, always showing his family how to do whatever they needed help with. He was a perfectionist, he was taught to do the job right the first time and if he had something to do he did it to suit him so he knew it would be done right. Herbert was a talented, gifted musician, singer, and storyteller. He loved to tell the stories of his youth where he grew up as the seventh son of Hardy and Laura, they had 8 boys and 6 girls. His musical talents came from his mother, Laura Ray, she, her sister and father travelled the area and sang in churches. He later sang in church and with a couple local groups; he loved to play guitar and was rarely seen without it. His guitar talent didn't go unnoticed; he was offered a job to play for a country singer, but his father said no, so he continued to work on the farm. He eventually went North to find work. It was here where he mastered the auto body trade. In 1970 he was recognized as one of the top ten body men in the state of Michigan. Later in life, he moved back to Tennessee. He ministered in area nursing homes using his musical talents for 15 years and also pastored New Covenant Fellowship Church in Portland for 20 years. He always taught his children to do their best and that a man's word was his bond, so if you gave your word, you better keep it.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Franklin, 6 brothers, and 5 sisters. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bernadine Franklin; children, Brenda Rubio (Frank), Dennis Franklin, Shirley Paszkowski (David), Eveline King (Robert), Eddie Steve Franklin (Laura) and Debbie Thomson (Rick); 20 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren; brother, Paul Franklin and sister, Margaret Stockard. A Life Celebration honoring Mr. Franklin will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 3:00 P.M. from the Chapel of Crestview Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Arrangements Entrusted To: Crestview Funeral Home and Memory Gardens (615)452-1943 www.crestviewfh.com