Funeral services for Billey James Franklin will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo, OK; full Air-Force military honors will be present. He passed away Sunday, September 6, 2015 in Hugo, OK at the age of 80.
Billey James Franklin was born on August 13, 1935 in Broken Bow, OK to Eugene Franklin and Altie B. Stewart. Billey entered the United States Air Force on October 19, 1955, in Paris, TX, and retired November 1, 1975, as a TSgt, at Bergstrom AFB, in Austin, TX. Billey was extremely proud to serve his country and family in the Air Force. He provided a special life for his family through the Air Force as they traveled the U.S.A., England and Germany. He ensured his children had opportunities to visit the sites in Germany because he wanted them to remember that experience. Every morning, Billey would go outside in front of his flagpole with the American and Air Force flags, stand at attention and salute.
He was a member of antique car clubs driving to many car shows with his wife and best friend, Sylvia, in his 1957 Chevy. He loved Blue Grass and old style country music. He married his soulmate, sweetheart and best friend, Sylvia Jeane Raney on June 4, 1954, in Hugo, Oklahoma. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2015. He had also just celebrated his 80th birthday with his wife and children in August 2015. At different points in his life, he worked at the Pepsi Cola Plant, Lamont Wells Glove Factory, Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Postal Service, as well as spent time volunteering at the Hugo Depot Museum and local blood drives. He was a member of the Baptist faith.
Billey dearly loved his family and worked very hard to support them, at times working two jobs while serving in the Air Force. He was disciplined with his children and his expectations were high, instilling values they carry on today with their children and grandchildren. No matter the path taken, Billey always supported his children and grandchildren, helping guide them back to the correct path. Billey loved to “go fishing” at the Fish Fry in Paris with his wife and her sister, Shirley Raney, who he always introduced as his “second wife”.
Billey like to pretend he was mean to the grand and great grand kids, and would tease and pick on everyone. When he fooled someone, he would have a big grin on his face when it was realized. He was truly just a big teddy bear. He met everyone with a smile and hug, and made friends easily. Billey was loved by his family, extended family and many friends. He will be missed.
Billey was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Duane Clem; his brother-in-law, Ben Moats; his sister, Cyndi Franklin Knight; and his grandson, William John Melton.
Billey is survived by his wife, Sylvia, of the home; one sister, Wanda Moats; one brother, R.V. Franklin and wife, Sharon; his children, Janie Franklin Melton of Hugo, OK, Billey J. Franklin and wife, Marian, of Cedar Hill, TX, Ron Franklin, of Hugo, OK, and Patricia A. Franklin Brakebill and husband, David, of Idabel, OK; his grandchildren, Jessica L. Melton, Amber D. Gueiros and husband, Matt, Kimberly A. Olson and husband, Billy, Stephanie J. Franklin, Daniel S. Franklin and wife, Gretchen Wall, Kristin L. Horton and husband, Justin, and Kelly A. Abney; foster grandchildren, Christopher Pruitt and Christian Marten; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2015 in the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home in Hugo, OK.
Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.praterlampton.com.
