Obituaries: April 5, 2024
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Anthony Keith Franklin Sr.
Anthony Keith Franklin Sr., age 63, of Goodwater, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Keith held many names including: son, daddy, brother, uncle, pops, pappy, and pawpaw. He was adored by his nieces and nephews and was always “the fun uncle.” He had numerous passions including coon hunting, fishing and his game roosters, but most of all his grandchildren. Keith could often be spotted pacing behind the backstop fervently watching his grandson Cjay play baseball with pride or standing against the fence watching his granddaughter Charley ride her horse through the pasture reliving his riding days. Keith was a good friend and willing to help those he cared for without question. The only person Keith wouldn’t help is someone who didn’t ask for it. Keith treasured his family and always made sure they knew it. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We take comfort in knowing he has been reunited at the gates of heaven with his two boys, Jay Benson and Peewee Franklin.
Anthony is survived by his son, Rocky Franklin (Kirstin); his mother, Agnes Franklin; his brother, Lewis Franklin; his sister, Melissa Hammonds (Gilbert); his sister, Martha Jefferson (Larry); his sister, Kathy Hay (Johnny); and his brother-in-love, Stanley Tucker (Hester); his grandchildren, Cjay Franklin, Charley Franklin, R.J. Franklin, Aaliyah Cryer, Karmen Cryer, Dakota Benson; and his aunt, Brenda Robinson.
Keith was preceded in death by his sons, Anthony Keith (Peewee) Franklin Jr. and Jay Franklin; and his father, Belvy Hoyt Franklin.
Keith also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory.
A visitation for Keith was held Monday, April 1, 2024, at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga, followed by a memorial service. Kylie Robinson and Keith Dennis officiated the service.
Keith was laid to rest in Hollins Cemetery, Valley Grove Road, Hollins.
Serving as pallbearers were Jamie Franklin, Rocky Franklin, Michael Franklin, Clayton Holmes, Jarrod Bullard, and Thomas Patterson. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Clyde Payne, C. Jay Franklin, Briggs Bullard, Stanley Tucker, Daniel Murphy, Bronson Franklin, Rolland St. John, and Johnny Robinson.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga directed the services.
Charles Raymond Gipson
Memorial service for Mr. Charles Raymond Gipson, 82, of Alexander City, was held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Randy Anderson officiated. Internment followed in the Alexander City Cemetery.
Charles Gipson closed his eyes on March 29, 2024, and awakened in the arms of his Lord and Savior on March 29, 2024. Born on May 31, 1941, in Tallapoosa County, he was the son of Carl Wilson Gipson and Lilly Hearn Gipson. His life was one that reflected kindness, adventure, and heroism. Charles always dreamed of showing honor and serving in the U.S. Air Force. Though his dream of a career in the U.S. Air Force was cut short by an injury, his courage and honor remained undiminished as he continued to protect and serve those who needed him. Charles was a proud graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1960, and carried the spirit of his alma mater throughout his life while engaging with his classmates in over 50 class reunions. Above all else, he was a man of faith. Charles was an active member of Kellyton Church of God where he poured his heart into teaching Bible class and mentoring the youth. His dedication to his church was unwavering, and his commitment to his faith was as steadfast as his love for his family.
Married to the love of his life for 48 years, Charles was a devoted husband who cherished every moment spent traveling the world with his wife, Joyce. From the gentle sway of cruise ships to the awe-inspiring sites of bus tours, their adventures together were filled with laughter, love, and memories. Charles was considered a mathematical genius with the most incredible memory. He had a vibrant personality and the ability to entertain with his countless stories and good clean jokes. Charles achieved hero status in many ways – through the eyes of his sister, the 48 years of devoted love to his wife, and light he provided to many more by showing the kind of love that reflected his faith. He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind, but his light will continue to shine on until we meet again.
He is survived by his sister, Sylvia (James) Gibson; brother, Harold (Marilyn) Gipson; niece, Celeste Tanner; and nephew, Wesley (Dana) Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Newberry Gipson; and parents, Carl and Lilly Gipson.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charles Raymond Gipson.
