David Lorenza Franklin was born February 6, 1941 in Opelika, Alabama and passed away December 29, 2023 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Maggie Franklin. His brothers James Franklin Jr, Joseph Franklin, Grady Franklin, and Walter Franklin as well as his sisters Mary Herring and Laura Franklin. He is also preceded in death by his wife Tammy Franklin.

David was a lifelong musician. He began playing guitar at the age of six. He played several instruments but his favorite was the pedal steel guitar. Throughout his life David played with many bands all over the country. Most recently he played with The Glen Lenderman Band. Aside from being a musician he was a jack of all trades from a Corpsman in the Navy to farming. He loved photography and loved capturing all family moments. He was a loving dad and faithful husband with strong morals and unshakable faith. He was a member of Big Rock Gospel Church, where he played bass and sang in the praise and worship team.

He is survived by his devoted wife Donna Franklin. He is also survived by his son, David Franklin Jr. and wife Amanda; son, Sean Franklin and wife Michele; daughter, Lana Franklin; daughter, Nerissa Franklin; daughter, Toni Newsom; son, Aragorn Franklin and wife Nina; son, Isaac Franklin and wife Angelique; stepdaughter, Marie Hobson and husband Jeremy; and stepson, Carlyle Teel and wife Lacy. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Dana Franklin Willis, David John Franklin, Da'Niel Franklin, Cecilia Guzzman, Hailey Pyle, Whitney Gorman, Nicholas Franklin, Reese Franklin, Joseph Cordova, Sienna Cordova, Xavier Franklin, Sierra Brownhill, Nerissa Newsom, Raven Franklin, Elise Franklin, Thorin Franklin, Theoden Franklin, Deacon Franklin, Amanda Ritter, John David Franklin, Elias Franklin, Zion Franklin, Christian Hobson, Zoie Teel, Mia Teel, Briley Teel; great grandchildren, Bethany Thombs, Hailey Thombs, Miley Franklin, Walker Franklin, Gunner Williams,  Dakota Williams, Maddison Franklin, Matthew Franklin, Raedin Franklin, Antonio Andino, Braedon Paris, Aurora Paris Ava Franklin, Ezra Gormman, Hosanna Gorman, Silas Gorman, Ryder Guzzman, Sophia Guzzman, Ember Groves, Harper Groves, Lainey Groves, Asher Franklin; as well as many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on January 13, 2024 at the ICON Church at 1610 SW Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, Texas with Brother Toby Self officiating.