Melvin "David" Franklin, beloved husband of Sherri Franklin, died at the age of 60 in a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, August 11, 2024 in Lena, Mississippi. Those mourning the loss of David are his wife Sherri Franklin, his children, Candace and Mark Shorter and Ashley and Aaron Fitzhugh, his grandchildren, Madison and Conner Shorter, his mother Diane Franklin, his father, Jimmy Franklin and stepmother Brenda Franklin, and his siblings, Michael and Tammi Franklin, Jacqueline and Kelly Woods, stepbrother Todd Saulter, his mother-in-law, Mary Gibson and his beloved Doodle, Ellie.

David was born October 31, 1963, in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1982. Soon after, he met the love of his life Sherri Watson on a blind date secretly orchestrated by his friend, Russ Russell, after previously swearing he would never go on another blind date.  Fate had other ideas.  David and Sherri married in Jackson, Mississippi at Raymond Road Baptist Church on March 12, 1983.

Soon after the marriage, David began working at Red Arrow Carwash.  Within a short period of time, he became the youngest general manager in the history of Red Arrow Carwash. A number of years later, he assumed ownership of the Flowood location. David had a very strong work ethic and was devoted to his job, his employees, and his customers.  He took great pride in the relationships he made over the years.

David was known to be a "jack of all trades" kind of man. He could work on vehicles of many kinds including boats.  He was also a "Mopar" enthusiast with a preference for the classics. His favorite being the Challenger. He purchased and later sold numerous other models including a Dodge Dart, Dodge Demon and Coronet.  Each year, he looked forward to attending the yearly "Cruisin' the Coast" event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

David was also an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his free time hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing.  He made many memories at deer camp and boating on the Reservoir.   He enjoyed participating in a variety of sports including golf, tennis, basketball, baseball, pool, corn hole, and many others.  He excelled in anything he set his mind to. His most treasured memories, however, were the times he spent bike riding and kayaking with his grandchildren.

David's legacy will be his heart for helping others. He was a confidant, mentor, and advisor to many.  While many who knew him have reached out with stories and recollections of how much he impacted their lives, none more so than his employees.  He recognized that many of the young men who worked for him had not been provided the same opportunities afforded to him.  Many could not see their own potential but he did.  He made it his purpose to encourage and guide them to reach that potential. Since David's passing, they have shared that he "saved their lives" and without his guidance and support they would not be where they are today.  He selflessly did so much for so many without recognition or praise and his presence made the world a better place.

David will be greatly missed by so many but none more so than his wife, children, family and closest friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood with visitation beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow at First Baptist Church Fannin Cemetery.