Billy Ray Franklin

Former Shawnee resident Billy Ray Franklin died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, in Encinitas, Calif., at the age of 81.
He was born March 31, 1928, in Shawnee to Ray and Loretta Franklin. He lived in Okmulgee during his childhood and gradulated from Okmulgee High School.  He lived in Whittier, Calif., for 47 years before returning to Shawnee in 1996. 
On June 24, 1949, he married Norma June Hickox in Compton, Calif. 
He served in the U. S. Navy. 
 He was a businessman.  He owned and operated the successful collector manufacturing business “Lynette Décor” in Anaheim, Calif. 
He was a member of University Baptist Church of Shawnee. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma June; his parents; and one brother, Joe. 
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Susie Franklin; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Lee Worthy; four grandchildren, Cortney Worthy, Brian, Amy and Sara Franklin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Janet Hickox; and numberous brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Tecumseh Cemetery with Dr. John Burns and the Rev. Doyle Loveland officiating.
To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.
The family has designated Alzheimer's Association;  6465 S. Yale Avenue, Suite 206; Tulsa, OK 74136-7804,  the American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity, as appropriate for memorials.