Dywayne Franklin

Dywayne Franklin, age 51, of Gholson, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2026 at his residence.

A Memorial visitation will be held 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 12, 2026, at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West.

Dywayne was born February 11, 1975 in Rolling Fork, MS the son of Billy Joe and Patricia Diane (Willard) Franklin. His early life was difficult, to say the least, but with support from his extended family, he was able to persevere.

A lifelong mechanic, Dywayne began his career at the age of 6 sweeping the floors in his uncle Ellis's shop and taking apart everything he could find to see how it worked, including the telephone and his Daddy's lawnmower. He attended South Delta High School in Rolling Fork, where he excelled in football and earned the nickname of "Stump" for being immovable on the field. In 1993 he was blessed with the birth of his first son, Michael Dywayne and in 1999, Austin Tyler followed.

In 2004, Dywayne made the move from Mississippi to Texas, settling in Mart with his Uncle Robert and Aunt Faye. In 2005 he met the love of his life, Sherry Garrett. They married on July 3, 2009 and together raised Sherry's 3 daughters, many dogs, cows, show lambs, chickens, ducks, and one stubborn mini-donkey. Farm life suited Dywayne perfectly. He was happiest riding on the tractor and fixing anything that broke. He worked for many years at JNB Tire in Bellmead where he made many lifelong friends.

On August 8, 2024 Dywayne was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. He fought selflessly until the very end. He was, after all, no quitter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Diane; a special uncle, Ellis Willard; and his mother-in-law, Paula York.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Franklin of Gholson; his children, Michael Franklin and wife Elizabeth of Minden, LA, Austin Franklin and wife Charity of Holy Bluff, MS, Leslie "Wendy" Graham and husband Henry of Gholson, Katie "Cootie Legs" LaBella of Gholson, and Emily "Freckles" Hullett and husband Branden of Mart; his grandchildren, Raleigh, Wyatt, Laiklyn, Cyson, and Amelia Franklin, Jesse and Aiden Hernandez, Emmett LaBella, Isabella and Addison Wally, and Spencer and Brooklyn Hullett; his siblings, Joey Franklin and wife Brenda of Sallis, MS, Bobby Franklin of Little Yazoo, MS, Billy Joe Franklin of Belzoni, MS, Bryan Franklin and wife Bonnie of Chickasha, OK, Amy Sherrill and husband Shawn of Edwards, MS, and Glenda Willard and partner, Terry of Charleston, MS; his father-in-law, Johnny Garrett of Gholson; a sister-in-law, Donna Walter and husband Dennis of Woodway; his fur-babies, Stinker, Rocky, Ruby, Shorty, and Sally; and many extended family members, loving in-laws, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Healthcare Hospice.