.jpg)
Reilous Aubrey Franklin
06/27/2021
Reilous Aubrey Franklin, the patriarch of the Franklin family, went to join the Lord on June 27th, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home in Tampa, Florida. He is survived by his three children, Brian Franklin and wife Monica, Kevin Franklin and wife Rosalyn and Kenny Franklin and wife Ruth. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Jean Franklin and his son Bradley Allen Franklin.
Reilous, or Reg as people often called him, was born July 28, 1934 in Thorsby, Alabama, were he spent his youth. During his school years, he was the pitcher for the local baseball team. At 20 years old, Reg joined the Air Force and became a pilot. During his time in the Air Force, he achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest commander of a B-52 Wing and flew airborne alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A year after the birth of his fourth son, Reg left the Air Force to take a job as a pilot for American Airlines, where he spent the remainder of his flying career. Reg lived in DeLeon Springs for several years starting in 1974, Here he owned a hay farm and a fernery. The family moved to DeLand in 1978 where he lived until becoming ill and moving to Tampa to be close to his sons.
He was a remarkable man who overcame difficult times and challenges early in life and through perseverance went on to achieve great things. Well respected and honorable, he leaves his legacy in the hands of his sons. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.