Mark Allen Franklin

Mark Allen Franklin, 67, of Clearwater, Florida (formerly of Roanoke, Virginia), passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Mark entered the world on January 1, 1958, in Washington, D.C., a true New Year's baby. From the very beginning, he brought a sense of celebration to life. Ambitious, creative, and determined, Mark spent much of his adult life as an entrepreneur, turning ideas into businesses and challenges into opportunities. Along the way, he made friends everywhere he went and left a meaningful mark on the people and communities around him.

A philanthropist at heart, he was always ready to lend a hand, listen with compassion, support charities, share advice (whether asked for or not), and brighten a room with his unforgettable Herman Munster laugh. Mark never met a stranger, and he left everyone he encountered with a lasting memory of his warmth and kindness.

Mark was endlessly curious and eager to share knowledge. An avid reader and researcher, he jokingly called himself an "adjunct professor at Google University," and he was always the one to turn to for quick answers and thoughtful insights. Mark enjoyed life's simple pleasures, like orchestrating poolside gatherings, curating music playlists, and perfecting the art of the perfect pour. He was a devoted animal lover who was deeply committed to ending cruelty toward animals.

Mark was also a man of faith. A Christian who loved Jesus with all his heart, he wove his testimony into most conversations-whether sitting by the pool or simply sharing time conversing with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Franklin and Charlotte (Goff) Franklin.

Mark is survived by his sister, Bev Franklin (Palmetto, FL); cousin Michelle (Mike, Colton, Taylor) Robbins (Virginia Beach, VA); and his beloved "tribe," each of whom held a special place in his heart: his brother and 31-year business partner, Rich (Banneker) Drummond (Largo, FL); his "pseudo siblings" Wanda (Greg) Hodges (Salem, VA), Alisha (Mark) Zimmerman (Vinton, VA), and Judie Mullins (Princeton, WV); his adopted mother, Sybil Lynch (Roanoke, VA); and dear friends David Maltby (Vidalia, GA), Betty Anne Purdy (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), Amy DuBois (Fort Myers, FL), Krista Moyer (Clearwater, FL), Candace Schmidt (Floral City, FL), and Michelle Chapman and Wendy Isaacs (Clearwater, FL) -along with many others who became family to him.

Mark lived life on his own terms and his legacy will continue through our many memories of his kindness, his generosity, and the deep love and gratitude he carried for the people in his life. He will be missed beyond measure.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical team at St. Joseph's Heart Institute in Tampa, FL, for their exceptional care and compassion. Your dedication will forever be remembered with gratitude.

A celebration of Mark's life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation (Tampa, FL), the ASPCA, or a Christian organization of your choice.