Larry Van Franklin

Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm from Eastlawn Cemetery in Philadelphia, MS. with Rev. Matthew Fancher officiating.

Larry Van Franklin, 77, of Gluckstadt, MS peacefully passed away on Monday, February 16th in Jackson, MS, surrounded by his family. Larry’s life was defined by faith, generosity, hard work and dedication to his family and loved ones.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie McClain Franklin, with whom he shared almost 56 years; his children, LeAnne Franklin Brady (Chris) and Van McClain Franklin (Vicky); and two grandchildren, James Brady Franklin and Jonathan McClain Franklin who were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother, David Franklin (Cindi), and numerous nieces and nephews. Later in life, he came to know his “bonus” family of half-brothers and sisters, Kathy Gill Parks (Sammy), Paul E. Gill (JoAnn), C. Duke Gill, Tammy Crowley (Terri), Judy Gill Valenzuela (Art) and Candi Gill Gonzales (Noe).

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hettie Jane and Leo Couch; Lucy and Roy Franklin; his parents, R.L. “Jack” Franklin and Lee Couch Franklin; his brother R. L. “Jackie” Franklin, and best friend, his dog Sox.

Larry was born in Memphis, TN on February 17, 1948 and was raised in Marks, MS where he spent his youth working, hunting, fishing, playing music and being a great big brother to Jackie and David. His love of music led him to playing the French Horn in the Marks High School Band. At the Mississippi High School Band Festival in Greenwood, MS, he met his wife, Jackie McClain, the cutest thing he had ever seen and the love of his life. After high school, he attended Mississippi State University and became a lifelong Bulldog. Larry and Jackie married, had LeAnne and Van, and settled in Newton, MS where he owned Franklin’s True Value Hardware. They eventually moved to Jackson, MS where they built their life together. Larry enjoyed successful careers in retail management and as a lumber broker, but it was his role as resident handyman and all-purpose fix-it guy that kept him busy throughout his life. There was hardly a home or auto maintenance issue that he could not resolve properly and joyfully.

When not practicing his handyman skills, Larry could be found fishing, exaggerating about fishing, gardening, and loyally cheering on his beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs whom he regularly predicted to go at least 9 and 3. He also enjoyed bird watching and spending time with his pets, dog Bella and cat Biff. He loved nothing more than sharing time with friends and family, but his greatest joy came from his cherished role as “Papaw” to Brady and Jonathan, the lights of his life.

Larry’s deep, abiding faith in God sustained and lifted him throughout his life, particularly through the health issues with which he struggled. He was a devoted Christian and an active member of Country Woods Baptist Church in Byram, MS, where he was ordained as a deacon and honored with deacon emeritus status. He loved participating in the choir, where he played his French Horn in a brass ensemble and helped build sets for their musical productions. He made lifelong friends through his Sunday School group and was quite simply the embodiment of Christian kindness, generosity, and humility.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Country Woods Baptist Church in Byram, MS with Rev. Matthew Fancher and Rev. Jon Daniels officiating. Visitation will start at 1:30 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service following at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St Jude’s Children’s Research or your charity of choice.