Walfred Franklin

On Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30am, God in his divine providence called his servant Walfred "Fred" Franklin from labor to reward after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Fred was born on January 4, 1949 in Danieltown, Virginia to the late Annie Bett (Pritchett) and William Albert Franklin Sr. He was the fifth of six children and preceded in death by sisters Rose and Charity Minyarn, brothers James and William Jr., Aunt Bea, and nephew Kent.

After the passing of his mother, Fred and his family relocated to Baltimore City, Maryland in 1956 - a place where he would make a lifetime of love and memories with family and friends.

He was a 1968 graduate of Dunbar High School and an employee for Bethlehem Steel for forty-five years until he retired in 2012.

Fred was an avid sports fan since childhood and spent his time playing baseball, basketball, and football growing up. He could watch sports all day including wrestling every Saturday at 4:00pm and any time the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles had a game. Fred loved to play pinochle, slots, and have fun at the casinos.

He leaves to cherish loving and fond memories by his most precious gifts, his beautiful children: Dawn Chase (Stacy), Kevin (Elisha), Keon (Brittany), Demia Gardner (Ian), Davin, and stepson Corey; ten grandchildren; loving and devoted baby sister Georgia Annette (his Tee); aunt Joan Ash (Gregory Sr.); nieces, Lachond Holmes, Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox,Tameka Brown-Tilghman and Angelique; nephews, Anthony Alston and William Jone-Bey; girlfriend, Janice Lyle and family; best friend until his final day Otto; dear friend Kathy; and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and coworkers. Sending love to all family and friends.