MSgt (USAF Ret) Homer “Bud” Franklin, Jr., age 83, resident of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the Oaks at Grove Park Assisted Living Facility, Columbus, Georgia. 

Funeral services are scheduled at the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 US Hwy 431N, Phenix City, Alabama on Friday, January 10, 2020, 12:30 p.m. (EST) with interment following at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. (EST)

Mr. Franklin, son of the late Homer Carey Franklin, Sr. and Inez Dorman Franklin, was born September 10, 1936 in Fort Mitchell, Alabama.  After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and later joined the U.S. Air Force, where he honorably served his country with over 22 years of military service.  During his distinguished military career, he served in Japan and many other stateside assignments, and received the Air Force Commendation Medal plus numerous other medals and ribbons during his tenure.  After he retired from the military, he continued his career as a Jet Engine technician, serving as a civilian contractor for over 26 years. 

Mr. Franklin was a longtime member of Ladonia Baptist Church, Phenix City, Alabama.  He and his wife enjoyed traveling for many years, especially the Naval military reunions.  Mr. Franklin loved to repair tractors and other equipment, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.  The family remembers him as a man who helped anyone, a family member or a friend, at any time. 

Other than his parents, Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Corine Forrest Franklin, and a son, Andrew Chris Franklin.  He is survived by two sons, James Carey Franklin and his wife Shelley of Millersville, Maryland and Eugene Charles Franklin and his wife Kelli of Stillwater, Oklahoma; three sisters, Katherine Delize and her husband Danny of Smith Station, Alabama, Barbara Brown of Phenix City, Alabama, and Becky Sue Kiser and her husband Roy of Augusta, South Carolina; two brothers, Jack Franklin and his wife Peggy of Smith Station, Alabama and Ray Franklin and his wife Katie of Phenix City, Alabama; two grandchildren, Carey Brice Franklin and Patricia Corine Franklin; and many other extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Ladonia Baptist Church, ATTN:  Building Fund, 3789 US Hwy 80W, Phenix City, Alabama 36869.

Condolences may be offered at www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net.