Mr. Dewayne Edward Franklin

In Loving Memory of Dewayne Edward Franklin Dewayne Edward Franklin, 61, of Altoona, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and people who will forever carry a piece of him in their hearts. The viewing will be held at Village Chapel in Alabama city from 6pm to 8pm. Dewayne was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was a man who never needed much to be happy—a good joke, a beautiful drive through the Smoky Mountains, one of his beloved cars, a Tennessee Vols game, and most importantly, the people he loved. If you had the privilege of meeting Dewayne, you knew very quickly what kind of man he was. He was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He had a heart that was bigger than words could ever describe. He was a good man, a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud Pawpaw, and a friend to so many. Dewayne shared 25 beautiful years with the love of his life, Jamie Franklin. Their love was something special—two people who truly found their way to each other and became soulmates. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, memories, and a bond that will never be broken. Though his time here was cut far too short, the love they shared will live on forever. His greatest joy was his family. He loved his children, Zack, Lexi, and Kaylee, with his whole heart. He was so proud of each of them and cherished every moment he was able to spend with them. And then came his grandchildren, Brandi and Tatum, who brought an entirely different kind of joy into his life. Being their Pawpaw was one of the greatest blessings of his life, and they will always carry his love with them. Dewayne was also known for his sense of humor. He was a true jokester who could make just about anyone laugh. He loved a good joke and, if you knew him, you probably knew that he especially loved a good fart joke. That was Dewayne never taking life too seriously and always finding a way to make the people around him smile. He had a special place in his heart for the Tennessee Volunteers, the Smoky Mountains, and his cars. These were some of the things that made him happiest, but nothing compared to the love he had for his family. There truly are no words big enough to express how much of a great man Dewayne was. His life may have ended far sooner than anyone was prepared for, but the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will never end. The people who knew him will continue to tell his stories, laugh at his jokes, remember his quirks, and talk about the man who made their lives better simply by being in them. Dewayne was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Franklin and Travis Franklin. Dewayne is survived by the love of his life, Jamie Franklin; his in-laws, Jane and Dennis Simmons; his son, Zack Franklin (Racheal Franklin); his daughters, Lexi Wise (Dakota Wise) and Kaylee Franklin (Dylan Thomas); and his grandchildren, Brandi Wise and Tatum Franklin. He is also survived by his siblings, Tim Franklin (Rita Franklin), Rhonda Keylon (Larry Keylon), Nina Sexton (AJ Sexton), Angie Williams, and Amanda Lawson (Charlie Lawson), along with many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will forever miss him. And now, we find comfort in knowing that Dewayne is no longer hurting and is once again reunited with his beloved soul dog, Smokey, and his two angel grandchildren who were waiting for him in Heaven. We imagine that Heaven gained one of the funniest, kindest, most loving men it has ever known. Until we meet again, Dewayne. You will forever be loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.

Mr. Dewayne Edward Franklin

June 9, 1965 - September 5, 2026