A celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Harold A. Franklin, 88, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Kelly Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend L. L. Jacobs is the pastor. Dr. Horace L. Patterson will deliver the eulogy. Interment with military honors will be held in Pine Hill Memorial Park. Dr. Franklin will lie in state at the church two hours prior to the service. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omega service will be held at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public. Visitation will be held from 12:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the funeral home.

Dr. Harold Alonza Franklin was the first of two sons born to George Franklin and Eugenia Williams Franklin on November 2, 1932, in Talladega, Alabama. He was the fourth of ten children born to this union.

At an early age, Harold attended Mount Canaan Baptist Church with his family. As an adult, he became a member of the historic Star of Zion A. M. E. Zion Church where he served as church treasurer, steward and secretary of the Board of Trustees. After the close of Star of Zion, Harold found a church home at Kelly Springs Missionary Baptist Church and remained a member until his passing. He attended Westside School in his hometown of Talladega. Harold left school and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and served actively until 1955. In 1955, he was discharged from active duty and was a reservist until 1958. He applied and was accepted to Alabama State College. In 1962, he graduated with honors with his degree in Government and Psychology. On January 4, 1964, Harold integrated Auburn University, but due to adversity he was unable to defend his thesis. He furthered his studies throughout the years at Brandeis University, Pine Manor Junior College and Tufts University. Harold received a Master of Art degree from the University of Denver in International Studies. He received his master’s degree from Auburn University in the spring of 2020.

After completing his education at Alabama State College, Dr. Franklin began his career as an educator. He had a passion for African American studies. He served as a professor with the University of Denver, Alabama State University, North Carolina A & T University, Tuskegee University and Talladega College. In addition to teaching at Talladega College, Dr. Franklin served as a counselor, Upward Bound director and other positions with the school. Harold worked for Terry’s Mortuary part time for a number of years. In 1992, he retired from higher education and became a full time employee with Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary where he remained a dedicated staff member and friend until his demise.

Harold made his transition into eternal life on Thursday, September 9, 2021, in Talladega, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lilla M. Franklin; his parents, George and Eugenia Franklin; his twin brother, Harry Alphonso Franklin; five additional siblings, George Franklin, Jr., John Henry Franklin, Mary Anna Dickerson, Spencer Robert Franklin and Alice Ruth Ragland.

He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy: his son, Harold Franklin, Jr. of Lithonia, Georgia; one grandson, Deldrick Franklin of Montgomery, Alabama; three sisters, Pauline Smiley of Talladega, Alabama, Edwina White and Yvette Franklin of Columbus, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Audrey M. Butts of East Point, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.