Henry B. Franklin Jr

Mr. Henry Benjamin Franklin Jr. was born on June 17, 1947, to Henry Franklin Sr. and Mamie Lee Gee in Montgomery, Alabama. Henry was the fifth child of ten siblings preceded from eldest to youngest by Edward Gee, Ruby Lee, Albertdean, Henrietta, Emma, Uellen, Ronald, Cynthia, Betsy, and the youngest Arthur. Though originating in Alabama, the family moved to Cleveland, OH in 1954 where Henry attended elementary school at Observation elementary, (better known today as the Cleveland School Of Arts), Audubon Middle School, and John Hay High School. Henry was well known throughout his high school years at Hay for his athleticism in sports, most notably basketball. Many knew Henry by his nickname "Bama", short for Alabama and coined in his childhood days that stayed with him into adulthood.

Henry was adorned by his family who often called and knew him by his beloved family nickname of "Big, Baby Bruh" partially referencing his ranking as fifth youngest amongst his siblings, as well as his height of 6'3' also being the tallest amongst as well. Henry had an extensive resume' over the years including but not limited to volunteer work at the board of election, his work with the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Metzenbaum youth center, as well as twenty plus years of service with Antioch Baptist Church. Henry also had a great sense of humor which he hid well, reserved only to those able to penetrate his stern demeanor. Some of Henry's favorite hobbies & past times included westerns & Denzel Washington films. He loved Jazz music, live bands/shows, home cooked meals, Planters Cashews, Pepsi, and had a sweet tooth for just about anything chocolate related.

Shortly after his commencement with Antioch, Henry married Grace McElrath and the two delivered twins, Benjamyn & Lydia Franklin shortly thereafter. The two shared 25 years of marriage before Grace's passing in 2015. Henry's primary source of pride and joy were his children & grandchildren whom he loved & adored. He would often discuss them & their achievements wherever & everywhere he went. Henry is survived by (Son) Benjamyn, (Daughter) Lydia, & (Grandchildren) Derek, Jay'mir, Zyheir, and Nevaeh.

Henry believed greatly in doing right by others and being a person that others could depend on. He was highly respected and loved by peers, colleagues, friends and family. The kind of person who could always give advice or a solution to problems & who would actively help others in solving them. A joy to be around, Henry was a genuine soul who wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice for others, the most valuable of all of these sacrifices being his time. He wouldn't hesitate to reach out to loved ones or offer his services which is what will be cherished and missed the most by all who had the honor & pleasure of knowing him.

Many roles & titles were held by Henry throughout his life. Those who knew him best called him friend, mentor, brother, nephew, confidant, role model, husband, patriarch, uncle, granddad, dad, father, and a man of God just to name a few. But Henry would describe himself as just doing unto others as we'd like others to do unto him