Obituary

Gayle Franklin
(August 5, 1936 - October 20, 2018)

Gayle Franklin, 82, of Huntington, WV passed away Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Gayle was born August 5, 1936 in Huntington, WV, a daughter of the late Gene Pickering and Virginia Healy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, David Franklin. Gayle is survived by three children: Kelly Franklin and his wife Shelly of FL, John Franklin and his wife Haeley of Huntington, WV, and Julie Thompson and her husband Brent of Proctorville, OH; ten grandchildren: Stephen, Lindsay and Zachary Franklin, Ally Ransbottom and her husband Sam, Virginia “Ginna” and Molly Franklin, Alex, Robert, Sydney and Victoria Thompson; a sister, Joanna Brown and her husband Charlie, and a brother, Skip Healy.  She was a dedicated wife and mother, always making time for her children. She was also very involved in her grandchildren's lives, taking the time to make them feel special and loved. Gayle was passionate about sports her whole life. She influenced generations of young girls through coaching basketball and softball. Many of them still kept in touch throughout their lives with Coach Franklin. As a young woman, she was very athletic, even before there were organized sports teams for girls. She was also a professional bowler and won many tournaments, representing WV and traveling around the country. She was a lifelong UK and Marshall fan and loved to watch the games.  She loved boating on Grayson Lake with her family and photographing the ducks and nature. Gayle was very involved in her community and worked to better the quality of education. She was PTA president and she ran for Board of Education in Cabell County.  She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She was always ready to jump in and help anyone who needed it. She was funny, kind and always great company. She was loved by many and will be missed greatly. Visitation will be from 5 – 7PM, Thursday October 25, 2018 at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary with a memorial service starting at 7PM by Rev. Greg Creasy.