Dr. Harold Alonza Franklin

11/02/1932 - 09/09/2021

Obituary For Dr. Harold Alonza Franklin

A celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Harold A. Franklin, 88, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Kelly Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend L. L. Jacobs is the pastor. Dr. Horace L. Patterson will deliver the eulogy. Interment with military honors will be held in Pine Hill Memorial Park. Dr. Franklin will lie in state at the church two hours prior to the service. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omega service will be held at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public. Visitation will be held from 12:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the funeral home.

Dr. Harold Alonza Franklin was the first of two sons born to George Franklin and Eugenia Williams Franklin on November 2, 1932, in Talladega, Alabama. He was the fourth of ten children born to this union.

At an early age, Harold attended Mount Canaan Baptist Church with his family. As an adult, he became a member of the historic Star of Zion A. M. E. Zion Church where he served as church treasurer, steward and secretary of the Board of Trustees. After the close of Star of Zion, Harold found a church home at Kelly Springs Missionary Baptist Church and remained a member until his passing. He attended Westside School in his hometown of Talladega. Harold left school and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and served actively until 1955. In 1955, he was discharged from active duty and was a reservist until 1958. He applied and was accepted to Alabama State College. In 1962, he graduated with honors with his degree in Government and Psychology. On January 4, 1964, Harold integrated Auburn University, but due to adversity he was unable to defend his thesis. He furthered his studies throughout the years at Brandeis University, Pine Manor Junior College and Tufts University. Harold received a Master of Art degree from the University of Denver in International Studies. He received his master’s degree from Auburn University in the spring of 2020.

After completing his education at Alabama State College, Dr. Franklin began his career as an educator. He had a passion for African American studies. He served as a professor with the University of Denver, Alabama State University, North Carolina A & T University, Tuskegee University and Talladega College. In addition to teaching at Talladega College, Dr. Franklin served as a counselor, Upward Bound director and other positions with the school. Harold worked for Terry’s Mortuary part time for a number of years. In 1992, he retired from higher education and became a full time employee with Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary where he remained a dedicated staff member and friend until his demise.

Harold made his transition into eternal life on Thursday, September 9, 2021, in Talladega, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lilla M. Franklin; his parents, George and Eugenia Franklin; his twin brother, Harry Alphonso Franklin; five additional siblings, George Franklin, Jr., John Henry Franklin, Mary Anna Dickerson, Spencer Robert Franklin and Alice Ruth Ragland.

He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy: his son, Harold Franklin, Jr. of Lithonia, Georgia; one grandson, Deldrick Franklin of Montgomery, Alabama; three sisters, Pauline Smiley of Talladega, Alabama, Edwina White and Yvette Franklin of Columbus, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Audrey M. Butts of East Point, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.



Guest Book

I never met Dr Franklin yet he touched my life and I miss him. I offer condolences to those who had the privilege to know him and to share this so that you can know he reached well beyond those he met. I learned of him on LinkedIn where Tenaysha C Carroll had posted about his seeking the diploma he was wrongfully denied from Auburn University. We celebrated when his diploma arrived and sought for a more public acknowledgment and ceremony but COVID hit and it was not meant to be. Yet, reading all these tributes makes it clear that the village honored his life and achievements and we will continue to keep the flame lit for future learners and advocates to persist. Thank you Dr Franklin. We will persist.

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Thank you, Dr. Franklin (Harold) for opening a door for me. With sincere sympathy and deep respect, Reseda Shelton, Auburn University, Class of 1974

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Our sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Harold A. Franklin Sr. As many have shared he was a man of great integrity. Always willing to help no matter the need. I will truly miss hearing him enlighten younger generations on who he was & obstacles he overcame. It was priceless to see the reactions to faces of those who thought of him as just another African American. I don't know the particulars but i walked into a store he was telling staff & customers whom he was they were in disbelief. I walked by commented he is speaking truth I spoke to him Hi Dr. Harold A. Franklin. The reactions on their faces were priceless. He smiled at me said Hi young lady good to see you. I knew him fondly my father was a good friend of Dr. Harold A. Franklin & he was our neighbor for a few years. Regardless to what he was doing he was never to busy to say hi or if you needed clarity or advice be a listening ear or enlighten you with helpful feedback. Although he gained degrees/ doctorates he stayed humble never forgetting the same ladder you climb you must one day come down. To the family be encouraged I speak from experience just loss my father few months ago. Fellow mourners & friends keep the legacy going. I read a few of the comments things he done. Now is the time for someone else to take a stand. Who is going to help the people in the various communities now? Even before Dr. Franklin's passing just think how much easier things may have been if there were more individuals with motivation or determination. We as people often think talk of other races being successful not all but sometimes we may be assisting those whom what to see you down. For any persons speaking on the knowledge Dr. Harold A. Franklin tried to instill in individuals it was to enlighten and better your future. R.I.P Dr. Harold A. Franklin gone never forgotten! The McGowan Family (Ruth & Stephanie) Sylacauga, Alabama

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My Sincere Condolences and prayers to the family of Dr. Harold Franklin. He was an outstanding Professor, Historian, Educator, and Conversationalist. He will always be remembered for his profound presence and tenure at Tuskegee Institute in the late 70's and early 80's. Thank you for your influence because it still resonates with me 40 years later. Marvin Engram (Former Student)

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My condolences to the family. Dr. Franklin was my History Professor at Tuskegee Institute in the 80's . I will always remember Dr. Franklin as A Man of Character and High Integrity. He shared stories about his journey that had us spell bound. Aldin L. Everette,C/0 82' Miami , Fl

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To the families of Dr. Harold Alonza Franklin; Words cannot express our deepest sympathy and we grieve with you. Dr. Franklin was always the same no matter when/ where you crossed his path, there was always words of wisdom never a negative statement. A true gentleman and wonderful example for young men. May his soul find true blessed rest. Rest in peace Dr. Franklin "you showed the way." You will be missed. Alonzo & Shernevelyne Draper Hill

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To the family of Dr. Harold Franklin we will always remember him. Mr. Franklin was close to our family and he was my dad best friend. I remember he would always come by and check on my dad during his sick days. We love you, and I know that GOD has smiled on you. Take your rest. Love, The Porter Family.

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To the Family of Dr. Harold Franklin. I was a history major and student of Dr. Franklin at Talladega College. He was a great teacher and earlier this year I talked with him about his experience on the campus of Auburn University. I was so proud to tell my friends about him. On campus Dr. Franklin was not bashful about telling students to leave the "Inn" and get busy studying. We are all the beneficiaries of the legacy and love he had for his students, social justice,education and community of Talladega. Charlene Jones Mitchell, Talladega College, Class '71

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To the family of DR. HAROLD A. FRANKLIN: I, Sandra Elaine Garrett, would like to express my tribute of having the HONOR of knowing Dr. Harold A. Franklin and watching him STAND UP for the people in the Westside Community in Talladega and doing so many more GREAT and HONOR-WORTHY causes in regards to RIGHTS of African-American people! From: Sandra Elaine Garrett @ 606 Adams Ave, Talladega

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To the Franklin and Terry Families, Thank you for allowing me to share these final days providing the small services that I did to Mr. Franklin, transportation delivering his meals but most of all getting to know the Icon from my community that I told all of my classmates I knew and had worked with at Talladega College. I shared that story with him one day on our morning journey even described what he was wearing in the pictures(Y'all know the Trenchcoat). His smiling reply was "Bess, My dear I had forgotten that picture and did not know it was on the student center wall at Auburn." We have lost a real Icon in our state, county, city and community, Harold Jr. and family please know that my prayers are with you and again Thank you for sharing your father with me, it helped ease some of the pain of losing my father. Bess Garrett

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Condolences to his family. Remembering Dr. Harold Franklin with much respect and admiration.----Winona Jacobs (TC class of '72)

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Dr/Mr. FRANK, So glad you were faculty while I was a student, because your demeanor and Posture was a Positive influence on many of us during our college experience. To the Family of Dr.H.A.Franklin, sending Prayers of Healing and Strength during your season of Memory, accept our Sincere Condolences at your loss.⚘

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My deepest sympathies to the Franklin Family. We will continue to speak the name "Harold Franklin" with reverence, remembering him as a man of dignity,62 integrity, and excellence. Lynne Mayo Collins, Talladega College Alumni '72. Chicago, IL.

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"Look at the persons on your right and your left. One of the three of you will not make it past the first semester." (Lesson: Hit the books!) "I don't care if you graduate from Harvard with a Phi Beta Kappa key around your neck. In your lifetime, you will NEVER make as much money as the average American white man". (Lesson: Strive harder!) "From sunrise to sunset. Anybody that doesn't show up at the cemetery, will get an F. Anybody that leaves before we are finished cleaning the cemetery will get an F". (Lesson: Give back to community!).These are the inspiring and insightful words spoken by the iconic Harold Franklin that still resonate with me today. He was a master at intellectual stimulation, an ambassador of keeping it real, and the epitome of social justice. He was my Instructor Extraordinaire, and I will remember him fondly FOREVER! My heartfelt condolences to his family. (Dr. Yvonne Simmons Howze, St. Augustine, Florida, Talladega College, Class of 72-73)

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Just as a light goes out in the late hours of the night, the death of my friend Harold Franklin causes a light to go out in the waning hours of my own life. From a college dining room table to professional lives and retirement, Harold and I shared long hours of conversation. We compared notes and shared the high and the low points of our lives. We had much in common. Our conversations were long and meaningful. Just a few weeks ago, Harold called to say he was not feeling too well. I had no idea he was saying goodbye. Harold was a light in many lives. Our lives will be dimmer without him. We will sorely miss this generous and gifted brother. My condolences to his biological family, his close friends and especially the Terry Family and Staff. Harold was a gift to us all. Charlie Varner, Jr., Montgomery, Alabama

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To the families of Dr. Harold Franklin Words cannot express the sorrow that has visited again. We grieve with you. Mr. Franklin seemed more like family than just a friend. Any time you would cross his path, there was always words of encouragement, never a negative statement. A perfect example. A great legacy left behind. This beautiful soul has found sweet rest. I will always remember you as a peacemaker. Rest in peace Dr. Franklin. You will be missed. Helen Millender

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What a legacy this gentleman leaves behind. Sincere sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.

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My deepest condolences to you all...Pamela Bradford & family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL