Funeral services for James L. (J.L.) Franklin, age 90, of Gardendale, formerly of May, will be at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in the May First Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in the May Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00.

J.L. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 23, 2016, in Odessa, Texas.  He was born in Comanche, Texas on June 4, 1926 and lived in May for a number of years. Prior to moving to May, J.L. worked as for Sivalls in Odessa as a supervisor. Mr. Franklin was a veteran of World War II where he served in the U. S. Navy.

Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his father, James Leslie Franklin, his mother, Audrey Rice Franklin, his wife, Inez Franklin, his son, Jimmy Levi Franklin, and a grandson, Jason Franklin.

Mr. Franklin is survived by three daughters and spouses – Frances Ann Franklin Popham and husband, Dennis, of May, Texas, Sandy Crews and husband, Kirby, of Drexell, MO, and Judy Greer and husband, Bobby Greer of Odessa, Texas and daughter-in-law, Penny Sue Franklin.  Surviving grandchildren are Steven Popham, Garry Popham, Stacy Popham, James Greer, Kyle Greer, Tonya Quezada, along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Condolences can be offered to the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.net.