William Ted Franklin

William “Ted” Franklin, affectionately known as “Papa,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 88, in Augusta, Georgia. A longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, William was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather-to-be, veteran, and friend.

Born on May 28, 1937, in Windom, Texas, to William Everett Franklin and Bettie May Abernathy, William lived a life marked by service, devotion, and deep-rooted values. On February 18, 1956, in Thomasville, Georgia, he married the love of his life, Lenora Voncile Taylor. Together, they built a beautiful life spanning nearly seven decades.

William served his country with honor, completing twenty years of active military duty in the Air Force followed by seventeen years of civil service. His military career took him around the globe, creating a lifelong love for travel, connection, and service. He especially cherished his time in Berlin, Germany where he became a proud member of the Masons in 1965 at the Berlin 46 Outpost Lodge No. 895. Furthermore, in 1980 he became a member of the Scottish Rite and achieved the 32nd Degree. He remained active with the American Canadian Grand Lodge, attending meetings in Bermuda, Virginia, Texas, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

A practicing Christian, William Ted lived by his principles and believed deeply in the value of faith, family and community. He found great joy in simple pleasures, playing cards, particularly Hand and Foot and Pinochle, board games, picnics by the water and visits with loved ones from far and wide.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lenora Voncile Franklin of Fort Walton Beach, FL; his devoted son, Steven Wayne Franklin; daughter-in-law, Michelle Franklin of Frisco, TX; his cherished grandchildren, Heather Sandoval and husband Michael Sandoval of Aubrey, TX; Bradley Franklin of Frisco, TX; and his soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter.

William was preceded in death by his siblings Mitchel Lorine, Thomas Haral Franklin, Fred Leeman Franklin, Mildred Franklin, and Gladys Christine Franklin; his nephews Gary Franklin and Michael Franklin; and his sisters-in-law Billie Jean Franklin and Lois Franklin.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Davis Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road Northeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547 beginning at 11:00am. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be held immediately following at Beal Memorial Cemetery. A time of fellowship with the family will be at Davis Watkins from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM.

Pallbearers include his son Steven Franklin, grandson Bradley Franklin, grandson-in-law Michael Sandoval, nephew Glynn Franklin, great-nephew Aaron Darden, and dear friend Rick Overstreet.