Henry Leon Franklin

Henry Leon Franklin, age 92, of Maryville, was escorted home Thursday, October 14, 2021.

Henry was a career veteran of the United States Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed to Germany following WWII and served two tours of duty in Korea. He taught ROTC at Kamehameha High School in Hawai’i, the University of Tennessee, and South Doyle High School.

Henry was a lifelong tinkerer and an avid gardener, providing surplus vegetables to neighbors, friends, and assisted living residents. He was a longtime member of Broadway Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Clara Rose (Simpson) Franklin, his parents, Sam Yule and Vina Pryor Franklin and all of his siblings: Iva Williamson, Annette Strevel, Perry (Buzz) Franklin, Miriam (Midge) Hammack, Ulyss Davis, Rachel Yadon, and Nancy Pilant.

He is survived by daughters and children-in-law, Donna (husband, Alan) Davis; Anita (husband, Ronnie) Barbra; Rose McNabb; granddaughters, Ami Davis (partner, Travis Heldibridle) and Chelsea (husband, Daniel) Stancil; grandsons, Jon (wife, Jessie) Davis, Adam Barbra, and Mark (wife, Ava) Barbra; sister, Alma Ruth Baxter; great-grandchildren Andrew, Emma, and Hunter Barbra; and numerous nieces and nephews.

No viewing or receiving of friends will be observed. A commitment service with a military honor guard will be held for family and friends at 11:00 am, Tuesday, October 19 in the Chapel at Sherwood Memorial Gardens with Pastor Tony Collins officiating. The family requests donations to Broadway Baptist Church in lieu of flowers. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the kind staff at Brookdale Sandy Springs Assisted Living, Amedisys Hospice care, and FirstLight Home Care.