Tazwell Dilliard Franklin Jr. was born in Burnwell, West Virginia on April 28,1940. He was the fourth of eight children born to their parents, Tazewell and Nannie Franklin. Tazwell's sojourn on this earth could be summed up in one word, “Fantastic!”

Taz, as he was known to friends and family, received his formal education through the Fayette County Public School system in West Virginia. In 1954 when the United States Supreme Court ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, Taz would go from Simmons High School, the first black school in Fayette County, to Kingston High School, as Simmons would close in 1956. Taz excelled academically at Simmons. However, the academic standards established at Simmons were embedded in Taz as he continued to Kingston.

Taz graduated in 1958 as the class valedictorian of Kingston High School. It was not uncommon for his teachers to seek verification from him when answers to math problems were discussed, due to his proficiency in the subject.

Despite graduating at the helm of his class, Taz could not find anyone willing to offer him employment. This resulted in him enlisting in the United States Army in 1959, serving three years. Honorably discharged from service, he was awarded a Parachutist Badge and a Good Conduct Medal.

Taz returned home to West Virginia from the service in 1962, worked in the kitchen at C &O Hospital. At the suggestion of a family friend, he reached out to an agent within the Kennedy presidential administration. The representative encouraged Taz to apply for a job at International Nickel in Huntington, West Virginia. Taz was hired after he passed a battery of company "tests".

Taz enrolled in Marshall University as he worked to provide for his family. He became a father welcoming his first-born son, Frederick Barron into the world on March 21, 1964. He became a husband on August 31, 1968, when he was united in holy matrimony to Barbara Jean Bailey. Together, they would love and nurture two more children into the world. His sole daughter, Katura Franklin was born June 21, 1971, and second son, Tazwell Franklin III, was born October 27, 1977.

In the midst of work, marriage, and fatherhood Taz graduated from Marshall University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, securing the Dean's List his senior year. He continued to work for International Nickel until he was recruited by Youngstown Sheet and Tube as a financial analyst.

Taz and his family moved to Youngstown in the early 1970s. Tazwell and Barbara made New Bethel Baptist Church their spiritual home when they arrived in Youngstown. Taz served as a faithful member of New Bethel and the trustee board for over 50 years.

When Youngstown Sheet and Tube closed, Taz expanded his resume, working for L.W. Nash in East Palestine, sales representative for Prudential Insurance, and eventually landed at Youngstown Hospital Association, later became Forum Health, in 1985 where he was hired into the position of cost management accountant.

Taz retired from Forum Health in 2005 after 20 years of service. Never one to sit still for too long, after retirement, he worked part time as a Risk Agent for Schwebel’s Baking Company for years until his health declined.

Taz was an avid participant in the annual Youngstown- Warren Mahoning Valley African American Male Wellness Walk/Run since its inception, even encouraging others to engage in this health and wellness effort designed to empower men of color and their families within the community. His other pastimes included football, baseball, bowling, and music.

Taz achieved various accolades and served his community in a myriad of ways in life. His sister, Brenda Gregory, wrote to publishers and editor of Ebony magazine to inquire why they never featured anyone from West Virginia in their "Speaking of People" section. This led to him being featured in the "Speaking of People" section of the February 1977 edition of Ebony.

Taz spent his Saturday mornings volunteering at Pincham Initiative Center where he would tutor students having difficulty passing the math portion of the Ohio Proficiency exam. His guidance helped countless Youngstown City School students pass the math section of the Proficiency test so they could graduate. He received the Black Diamond leadership award in 2017 from the Links Inc.

Tazwell Dillard Franklin Jr., often known within the community as Mr. Fantastic, departed this life on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at home engulfed by the presence of his loving family, at the age of 84.

Left to cherish precious memories are his wife of 56 years, Barbara Franklin, along with their children Katura Franklin, Tazwell Franklin III, grandson Eric (Erica) Franklin, and great granddaughter Averey. Taz will be fondly remembered by his brother, Kenneth Franklin, sisters, Ida Franklin and Emma Franklin, along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As Taz entered eternity, he was reunited with his parents, son Frederick Barron and his siblings, Ruby Wright, Martha Pace, Grace Crisp, and Brenda Gregory, all who preceded him in death.

The community is invited to the Home Going services which will be conducted on Friday, February 7, 2025, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St, Youngstown Ohio. There will be public viewing and calling hours at 10:00 am, followed by the Celebration of Life Services at 11am with Pastor Kenneth L. Simon officiating.

After the committal ceremony, Tazwell will be laid to rest with military honors at Belmont Park Cemetery in Liberty Township. As we come together to honor him, let us remember the positivity and hope he brought into the lives of many. Taz leaves an inheritance for his family and community which will forever honor his memory and the enduring values he instilled. Mr. Fantastic will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved him.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the beloved family Tazwell Dilliard Franklin Jr. elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500