Gary Wilton Franklin, age 63, of Pensacola, was called home unexpectedly on October 05, 2019. He was born in Pensacola, FL on March 28, 1956 to Joyce Ann Bradley Franklin and the late Hilliard Wilton Franklin. Gary was the oldest of four brothers, Doug, Rick, and Rob. Their mother says, "Her boys were always active and daring and their brotherly bond ran deep." Gary attended Escambia High School and graduated from Pensacola High School. He was an aspiring entrepreneur from a young age. Shortly after high school, Gary started a carpet installation company and soon after, his highly successful business Franklin Drapery Sales and Installation. Over the years, he and his brother Doug enjoyed renovating and flipping homes around the Pensacola area. Some would say they were the original "Property Brothers." In the year 1979, Gary met Susi Huffman and her 8-year-old son, Lee. From that moment, Gary and his loving family welcomed Susi and Lee into the Franklin family. In 1982, Gary and Susi were married and in 1988 they added another son, Mark Alan, to the family. Gary was a loving father and was often referred to as the "fun uncle" by his numerous nieces and nephews. Gary's fun-loving spirit and kind smile were contagious. Not only did he teach his sons and grandson how to be strong, respectful, and kind men, he taught them a love of adventure and the water. They spent countless hours on their boats, fishing, and under the water diving together. Gary and his brother Doug were referred to as two of the most accomplished divers on the Gulf Coast by area fishing forums. In the end, Gary's family has comfort in knowing God called him home while he was doing something he loved.

He is preceded in death by his father; and his brother, Douglas Ray Franklin.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Lee (Janna) Price and Mark Franklin; grandson, Jameson Price; mother of his children, Susi Franklin; partner, Beth Williams; mother, Joyce (Frank) Orr; siblings, Rick (Lisa) Franklin of Madison, AL and Rob (Julie) Franklin of Marietta, GA; sister-in-law, Toni (Bob Green) Franklin; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.

Memorial visitation will begin at 9:00am, until the memorial service begins at 10:00am, on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola FL 32504. Bro. Bob Green will officiate. Following the service, all are welcome to a celebration of life reception at Saki Café, 4880 N. 9 ^th Ave., Pensacola FL 32503. The family offers their gratitude to Nick Jones, the U.S. Coast Guard, First Responders and Emergency Personnel for their courageous efforts and assistance bringing Gary back to his family.