Joseph Augustus Franklin, born January 17, 1938, in Mobile, AL was the youngest child of the late Dr. James A. Franklin Sr. and Mrs. Dora Alice Cochraham Franklin. During his formative years he attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School and St. Emma's Military Academy in Rock Castle, VA, where earned the rank of Cadet Captain and gained the nickname "Joe The Jet" because of his athletic abilities in baseball and football. Upon graduation from St. Emma's Military Academy he entered Lincoln University in Pennsylvania receiving his Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Medical Technology. In 1961 Joe entered the United States Army and was stationed in Oakland, CA. Upon discharge from the Army in 1963 he was transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC and continued his career in the field of Phlebotomy for 33 years with Howard University Hospital. After retirement in 1999 he returned to Mobile, AL. He is a lifetime member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Krewe Du Bon Temps. He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. & Mrs. James Alexander Franklin, Sr., six brothers and three sisters. He leaves to cherish his memory daughter, Kathleen Franklin of San Francisco, CA; godson, Benjamin E. Franklin, Jr. of Kansas City, KS; one stepsister; one sister-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Visitation is 8:am-9:15am and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am Saturday October 13, 2018 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 304 Sengstak Street, Mobile, AL 36603. Due to inclement weather interment will take place 12pm Monday October 15, 2018 at Magnolia Cemetery 1202 Virginia Street, Mobile, AL. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School 310 Sengstak Street Mobile, AL 36603. christianbenevolent.com
Published in the Mobile Register and Baldwin County on Oct. 12, 2018