Roy Allen Franklin

In Loving Memory of Roy Allen Franklin

May 5th, 1964, ~ April 7th, 2026

“Racer,” “Allen,” “Grandpa,” “Dad.”

Roy Allen Franklin, “Allen” or “Racer”, 61 of Zephyrhills, Florida passed away in the early hours of Tuesday afternoon on April 7th, 2026, in his home surrounded by family and friends after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born in Sebring, Fl, Allen spent his younger years growing up in Zephyrhills, Fl, at Gills Garage where he earned the nickname Racer for his love of racing and was a fan of Kenny Schrader, Bill Elliot, and Cale Yarborough. He enjoyed going to the races with Tom, Polly, and gang- camping in the infield on the Bill Elliot Bus! Allen began his career in the air conditioning field becoming known for his expertise and skill as an HVAC Technician. During his career Allen mentored and trained countless individuals. Servicing the Lakeland area for nearly 40 years, he had the privilege of working with boss, Ken Elliot, and coworker, Murat – nicknamed by Allen “The Turkish Delight”- at Ryals Brothers, Inc. from which he retired in October of 2024.

Despite being considered invaluable as a worker and laboring tirelessly, Allen was never too tired to lend a hand to family or friends when in need. Whether it was air conditioning related or an oddball job, Allen was someone you could trust and count on to get the job done – earning him another nickname, “MacGyver.” If something needed fixing, Allen was the first one you called and the one who knew exactly how to fix it.

Allen’s caring and kind demeanor extended past manually laboring for his loved ones. A physical embodiment of sanctuary; he was a safe place that you knew would always be there. When you were down on your luck you could rely on him, truly a man who always had his shoulder there to lean on. To countless people, he was more than family; he was a steady presence, a protector, and someone you could always count on. Allen made everyone feel welcome, like they belonged, no matter who they were.

When Allen wasn’t fixing something, he was passionate about music. His love for music was never sated, always discovering something new and ready to jam out with friends and family. Allen’s record collection was something of awe and beauty; one of his first actions of retirement consisted of alphabetizing his massive collection of historical rock records. He loved showing his children the art of old school stereos, vinyl, and listening to music you love, with those you love. Sitting in the beer shed, listening to his old records was an experience all its own.

He was a die-hard Seminole fan through and through. He enjoyed watching every game in the comfort of his beer shed. While any football fan knows, this consists of joy, anger, and disbelief. Florida State had a special place in his heart, even encouraging his youngest son to attend and graduate from the university. While the best season were received with celebration at the Franklin household, Allen was a rain or shine fan and remained dedicated to his Seminole pride even in the worst of seasons. Go Noles!

Allen is predeceased by his birth parents, Charles Franklin and Betty Jo Lenkse, adoptive parents, Tom Gill Sr. and Wanda “Polly” Pollock, father-in-law, Glenn “Tooner” Mattoon, siblings, Clover Richardson, Sandy Hilton and Stephen Pollock Sr., and son, Steven Franklin.

Allen is survived by his mother-in-law, Phyllis Denault, spouse, Pauli Franklin, children, Cale Franklin (Diana), Douglas Worthington, Cheyenne Hemphill (Garrett), Seth Franklin (Lucy), Craig Scott (Bailey), grandchildren, Braylen Dixon, Landon Franklin, Astred Hemphill, Byron Franklin, Bryson Franklin, Lilly Scott, Winter Franklin, Ivy Scott, and Oliver Scott, siblings, Charles “Buddy” Franklin (Brenda), Brenda Blanton (Bill), Richard Franklin, Cynthia “Jeri” Cordell, Jamie Koplitz (Joe), Rebecca Boyette (Jack), Tom Gill Jr. (Tami), James “Bill” Pollock (Angelique), LaNita Michelle Fortenberry (Brian), and Kristy Weicht (Joe), many nieces and nephews, and spare sons and daughters, Alex Franklin, Erica Lisk, India Blackwell, Alexa Arias, Alexandria Klug, Nikkey Teter, Jesse McGee, Daryl Smith.

When it all came down to it, Allen was known for his bright and funny personality, handy-man knowledge, and willingness to lend a helping hand to whoever was in need. As difficult as it is to lose a loved one, we can rest assured that one day we will see him again. Allen’s faith was firm and he knew Jesus Christ and this gave him peace at the end. While we are missing his presence here on Earth, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8