Terry Lynn Franklin

Beloved Father, Brother, Grandfather and Friend, Terry Lynn Franklin, age 72, of Palestine, Texas went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday the 9th day of December 2025 at his home. Born on the 18th day of January 1953, in Palestine, Texas, Terry was the cherished son of William “Coleman” Franklin and Wanda “Elaine” Beauchamp Franklin.

For many years, Terry was the dependable driver of a saltwater truck for Franklin & Franklin. His dedication to his work was evident to all who knew him. In 1984, Terry embarked on a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2008. His time with TDCJ was marked by the same commitment and excellence that characterized his earlier years.

After retiring from TDCJ, Terry's love for the open road and his desire to remain active led him to drive a Hot Shot truck. He continued this until 2014, forming many friendships and collecting stories along the way. He was a member of First Congregational Methodist of Elkhart, a Master Mason, and Sons of Confederate Veterans. Terry’s hobbies included gardening, blacksmith knife making, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his brother, David and Sheri Franklin, of Slocum, Texas; sons James Franklin, of Palestine, Texas; William Halestead of Washington; daughters, Jennifer Franklin of Palestine, Texas, Linda and Brent Morton of Granbury, Texas, Becky Richards of Neches, Texas, and Sheila and Chris Blevins of Palestine, Texas; bonus daughters, Brandy Patrick, Laura Griswald, and Leighe Ann Minton. He also leaves behind 13 precious grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Coleman and Elaine Franklin; wife, Nancy Franklin; and his sister, Judy Franklin.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening, on Monday, the 15th day of December 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel. 

Funeral services to celebrate Terry Franklin’s life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 16th day of December 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. John Day and Bro. Mike Parker officiating the service. Interment will follow in Guiceland Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan Phillips, Josh Hill, Danny Jones, Dwight Franklin, David Franklin, and Bro. Michael Lumpkins. Honorary pallbearers include Wesley Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Terry L. Franklin can be directed towards Masonic Lodge of Elkhart, Texas.

Funeral services for Terry Lynn Franklin are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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