Richard Lee Franklin, Sr.

Richard Lee Franklin, Sr., age 81, passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2026, after a brief stay at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland. Born on August 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Frank Wallace Franklin, Sr. and Rosa Lee Short (Alderson).

After attending East High School in Nashville, Tennessee, Richard relocated to Maryland to work as a carpenter alongside his oldest brother, Frank. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sally. Married for 60 wonderful years, the two were rarely apart. Richard was a deeply loving and devoted husband, as well as a proud father and grandfather.

A natural fixer and creator, Richard loved working with gadgets and building unique inventions to make life easier for his family and friends. His diverse career began with carpentry and drywall installation, eventually expanding into small engine repair, electrical work, and maintenance management. He ultimately retired in 2014 following a few years of dedicated government contract work, during which he held a security clearance.

Beyond his work, Richard possessed a lifelong passion for trains and spent countless hours building elaborate model train gardens. He also found great joy in the simpler things in life: sitting by his community beach with a Starbucks coffee, watching Westerns, and enjoying every single episode of Star Trek. Above all, his greatest happiness came from family gatherings and simply having everyone he loved together.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sally Franklin; his beloved children, Kimberly Franklin (and partner Rodney Daff), Nancy Franklin (and partner CarmenLuz Vizcaino), and Richard Franklin, Jr. (and wife Sally). He leaves behind three cherished grandchildren, Seth Cogar, Kaelee Cogar, and Mackenzie Rutledge (and husband Aaron), as well as bonus grandchildren, Zac and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rosa Lee Franklin; his brothers, Frank Jr., Michael, and Donald; and his sister, Joanne Dobyns.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on June 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Singleton Funeral Home, 1 2nd Ave SW, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard’s memory to the American Heart Association. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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