Thomas David Franklin

Thomas David Franklin passed away June 17, 2024. He was born February 7, 1946 in Gadsden, Alabama. He grew up in East Gadsden and later lived in Atlanta, GA and Fair Haven, NJ and retired to the Beaches area with his wife in 2013.

 Tom received a bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering from Auburn University, AL. He served in the U.S. Army QM during the Vietnam War as a Food Advisor at HHC 1st Support Brigade, Germany. After fulfilling his military obligation, Tom began a career in the textile business, working for various textile producers. He received an MBA from Fordham University using his VA benefits while working in New York City. In 1981 he joined the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club, NJ and gained many life-long friends. In the mid 1980’s he started his own textile brokerage company that was viable until the textile business in the USA collapsed. 

 Tom is survived by his loving wife, partner, and friend of 53 years, Lynn Snider Franklin; sisters in law, Valerie Snider Rutland and Marie Franklin Johnson, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John M. and Lula Franklin, and four brothers and a sister.

 "Tom Franklin was a passionate sportsman. He had many friends with whom he played tennis and others who got to enjoy his friendship while skiing in New England as well as out west in wonderful places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He will greatly be missed by those who got to play golf with him. Tommy was an accomplished low handicap golfer who was fun to play with and a true gentleman to all who enjoyed his company. We will miss him! “ (Written by a tennis/ski/golf partner.) He was loyal to the SEC, and a knowledgeable sports fan.

 A Memorial Service is planned later in the fall at Palms Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL. Check the Quinn Shalz website for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brookdale C.C. Foundation, James V. Palumbo, Jr Memorial Scholarship at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738-1543.