Posted on 01/16/2018
Larry Bruce Franklin (April 9, 1937 - January 14, 2018)
Sailor, attorney and family patriarch, Larry B. Franklin passed away peacefully at home on Sunday January 14, 2018. Born and raised in Shively, Kentucky, Larry lived a life of extraordinary achievement, generosity and friendship. From an early age Larry showed signs of determination and perseverance that would serve him well throughout his incredible life. He was a graduate of Valley High-school where he was voted Mr. Valley High, a proud distinction he refused to let anyone forget. Following high-school, he was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy where he graduated with the honor of having the highest aptitude in his graduating class. His naval career lasted 36 more years culminating with his retirement from the United States Naval Reserves with the rank of Two-Star Rear Admiral (RADM). He was proud of his service and a true American patriot. Even in his retirement, Larry would never miss an opportunity to help anyone interested in attending the Naval Academy nor be too busy to spend time with servicewomen and men to tell stories or offer advice.
After serving on submarines in Vietnam, Larry attended night law school at the University of Louisville while working full-time at his uncle Pat’s appliance company. Larry would often quip that after serving in Vietnam, law school was easy. Graduating in 1967, Larry would go on to be widely known as one of the best lawyers in Kentucky and throughout the country, earning him a coveted spot as a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates. He was a force of nature in the court room winning some of the largest verdicts in Kentucky history for his clients. He was a tireless advocate for his clients and would go to the ends of Earth to win their case. No one out-worked nor out-smarted Larry. No one. His driving work ethic combined with his sharp-as-a-tact intellect made for a storied legal career that will be reflected upon for ages. He was simply the best.
As tough as he was in the court room and throughout his military career, Larry had a heart of gold that was as soft as a teddy-bear. His jokes could fill a library but his delivery was their main charm. He would light up a room and had an electric gravity about him that was pure magic.
Larry loved being surrounded by and spending time with his family, especially his wife, children and their grandchildren.
To the end Larry was a kid at heart and found the most joy watching others have fun. For all of his success he never judged a person by their accomplishments, only by their effort. Larry had the ability to relate to anyone because he could find the humanity in everyone. From judges to bus-boys, Larry treated everyone with dignity and respect. The mention of his name always brought a smile to everyone’s face that knew him. He will be agonizingly missed but he will never be forgotten.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary (Mudd) Franklin. He is survived by his wife Judy; his sister, Bonnie Gray (Larry); his nephews, David Gray, Peter Gray and Josh Gray; his children, Bruce Franklin, Rachel Franklin (Steven Kuhn), Melissa de Witt (Tyler) and Jonathan Franklin; step-children, Brandy Corbin (Scott), Ashlee Colville, Christian White (Matt), Hardy Bidwell (Brittany); grandchildren, Juels White, Samantha Coomer, Spencer Corbin, Haleigh Bidwell, Zane Corbin, Laihl White, and Royal White.
Visitation will be held at Pearson’s, 149 Breckinridge Lane, Louisville, KY, 40207, on Thursday, January 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 20, 10:00 a.m., in the Valley High School Auditorium, 10200 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY, 40272.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Kids Center, P.O. Box 17630, Louisville, KY, 40217.
Pearson Funeral Home
149 Breckenridge Lane
Louisville, KY, US, 40207
http://www.pearsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Larry-Franklin-3/#!/Obituary