Larry Franklin

Larry Franklin, 70, of Satsuma, Florida, formerly of Moultrie, passed away on Friday, February, 27, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Moultrie with Reverend Chris Walden, Reverend Ron Smith, and Reverend Stanley Norman officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Luke Walden, Eddie Paul Walden, Jack Mitchell, Brock Padgett, Travis Padgett, Jack Grayum, and Conner DiBenedetto will serve as pallbearers. Larry’s previous employees will be honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 - 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church.

Born June 5, 1955, in Jonas Ridge, North Carolina to the late Zeb Scott Franklin and Estalena Woodie Franklin.

Larry was larger than life — a man whose presence filled a room and whose vision helped shape communities. Brilliant from an early age, he moved through school with remarkable ease, rarely needing to open a book and graduating early at just 17 years old. His intelligence was matched only by his drive.

Larry’s work ethic began early, mowing yards at the age of eight. That determination never left him. A visionary and self-made entrepreneur, he became a respected builder and developer, known for both his ambition and his ability to bring ideas to life. In Moultrie, he developed the first gated community and served as part of the Development Authority, helping guide growth and opportunity for the area. He also served as a Chairman’s Advisory Board member of the Republican National Committee, offering leadership and insight shaped by years of business and community involvement.

From 1976 to 1982, Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Those who knew him understood that he approached service, work, and life with the same discipline and strength of character.

Larry was “large and in charge” — a bold personality, a loyal friend, and a stern but respected boss who expected others to hold the line just as he did. He believed in hard work, accountability, and excellence, and he led by example.

At the very heart of Larry’s life was his beloved wife, Fran, the love of his life and his greatest blessing. Their bond was the foundation of his world, and he was a devoted and faithful husband in every sense. He was a proud and dedicated father who led with strength, wisdom, and unwavering support. Becoming “Big Daddy” to his grandsons brought him immense joy and deep pride, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Larry loved adventure. He enjoyed cruising and traveling, especially trips to Montana where he found peace fishing beneath wide open skies. After retiring to Satsuma, Florida, he remained active in his faith community, having been a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Moultrie and most recently attending First Baptist Palatka.

Larry built more than businesses and neighborhoods — he built relationships, opportunities, and a legacy of strength, vision, and love. His life was defined by determination, leadership, faith, and deep devotion to those he cherished.

He will be remembered for his bold spirit, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to family and community. His legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his, siblings, Virginia Helms, Jean Daniels, and Darlene Mitchell; nephew, Mark Benfield; and niece, Diana Franklin.

Mr. Franklin Is survived by his, wife, Fran Franklin; children, Nicole Potts and husband Ken, and Tara Franklin; stepdaughter, Jessica Walden and husband Chris; grandchildren, Luke Walden, and Eddie Paul Walden; siblings, Lahoma Hedrick, Linda Clontz, Kathy Dellinger (Larry), Lambert Franklin (Terri) Dean Franklin (Toni); and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Putnam First Cancer Fund PO Box 1142 Palatka, FL 32178

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.