Michael Jerome Franklin, 57, was born October 24, 1960 in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of the late Frank James Franklin and Juanita (Thomas) Franklin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Warren Franklin; one uncle, Robert Lee Thomas and three aunts, Mae Ella Powell, Minnie Lee Jonson and Hazel Gage.

Michael was a graduate of Central High School and went on to earn a college degree from the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff (UAPB), where he majored in Business Administration. In 1980, he started working as an auto mechanic for the family business, Franklin and Sons Auto Service.

Michael made the transition of life along with his mother on March 2, 2018 at the home.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two sons, Michael A. Cook (Chianti) of Kansas City, MO and Brandon Shorter of Pine Bluff, AR; one daughter, Tamara Hampton-Knox; four grandchildren, Michael A. Cook III, Warren A. Cook, Tristian M. Cook and Brooklynn Knox; an uncle, Curtis Thomas (Gloria); and a host of other relatives and friends.