Rev. David Franklin

David Franklin was born on June 12, 1926 in Darlington, South Carolina to the late Barney and Estelle Mack Franklin. He was the youngest boy of the nine children. David attended Mayo High School where he played football and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he enrolled in North Carolina Central University to pursue a degree in Biology. He left school to join the army and support his family on June 8, 1944 and served honorably until January 31, 1967 when he retired. During his service, he fought in World Warr II and the Korean War. While in the Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, David was introduced to Gaynelll Bell. The two entered into holy matrimony on October 7, 1956 and remained faithfully and lovingly married until his passing. Into this union were born three children, (Sandy, Terry, and Ricky) who he unconditionally loved, cared for and supported. Upon his retirement, he then attended Fayetteville State University and received his B.A. degree in 1971. He continued his education receiving his Masters of Science in Education - Guidance from NC A&T State University in 1980. David's love and compassion for people led him to a career in Social Work where he was a Psychiatric Social Worker in Cumberland County for 18 years. David received his call into the ministry and was licensed and ordained by the Pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. A.J. Johnson in 1993. He also received a certificate in Ministerial Eldercare from the Shaw Divinity School in the same year. Later he served as the Pastor of First Baptist Warsaw from 2000 to 2008, where he led the congregation in building a new sanctuary. He was a man of God and tried to help everyone he met. His love for God was exemplified through his acts of service in his street ministry. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and true friend. David leaves to continue his legacy, his wife of 68 years Gaynell Bell Franklin; children Sandra May (Danny), Terence Franklin (Sharon), David (Ricky) Franklin (Debora); Wanda Vaughn (Karl), Denise Curtis, Joyce Hollingsworth and Wilam Hillman-Ford whom he affectionately called his other daughters; four Grandchildren Solomon (Tiffany), April Franklin, Jaden Franklin, and Kinsley Franklin; one sister Gwendolyn Hemphill; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins other family members and close family friends, and many special sons and daughters that are too numerous to name. He was preceded in death by his siblings Matthew Franklin, Calperta Cann, Lena Wells, James Franklin, John Wesley Franklin, Annie Louise Ratliff, and Juanita Matthews.

Rev. David Franklin

June 12, 1926 - March 19, 2025