Anthony "Coolie Pop" Franklin, Sr.

Mr. Anthony “Coolie Pop” Franklin, Sr. of Norway, South Carolina traded these earthly shores and is now fishing on heaven’s shores on Saturday, July 29, 2023 after fighting a short but courageous battle of sickness.

We are grateful to God for his life, and the seemingly short time he shared with us. Our lives have all been touched because of his selfless ways and generous spirit. God in his infinite wisdom granted him with sixty blessed years of life, and he lived it fulfilling God’s promises, to the benefit of his family and children, and as a friend who went above all measures to help anyone in need. 

Anthony, Sr. was born on May 19, 1963 in Orangeburg County, South Carolina the son of Nora Govan Franklin and Randolph Franklin. He gave his life to christ at an early age and became a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church In Cope, South Carolina. He later joined and served faithfully at the Bushy Pond Baptist Church in Norway, South Carolina as the Superintendent of Sunday School. Subsequently, he reunited with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he faithfully served until his demise. He served as a trustee of the church, a member of the male chorus, and he was also a Deacon in training. He worked in many other facets as needed and often times on a volunteer basis.

Anthony, Sr. was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg County. He was a 1982 graduate of Hunter-Kinard High School. Anthony worked for Ducane Heating and Air Company in Blackville, South Carolina for over twenty years until the industry closed.

In 1989 Anthony, Sr. met the love of his life, Jeanette Lindsey. After sharing many years courting on February 16, 1994, the couple was united in holy matrimony. They shared marital bliss for over thirty years.  They loved and reared their seven children in addition to their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their love had such a wide range that they even extended their home to many others who became their children as well.

Anthony, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Nora and Randolph Franklin; Brother, Ralph Franklin; Sister, Joann Franklin; father in law, Rufus Lindsey, Sr. and most recently his brother in law, Rufus Lee Lindey, Jr.

Anthony, Sr. was a GENEROUS, FAITHFUL, SELFLESS, and STRONG man of God.  He had a passion for many things. He enjoyed grass cutting, cooking on the grill, and serving his community and church. His faithfulness was continuous, and never waivered. Of all the things he upheld, he definitely was an amazing family man. There will never be enough words to describe how important being a Husband, Father and a Grandfather was to him, and what a powerful influence he will continue to be. The legacy that he leaves was seen daily in his works and. will forever cherished.

His strong legacy of faith, family and friends will remain embed in the hearts of his loving and devoted wife, Jeanette Franklin of the home; his children who shared his heartbeat, NaKeith (Dreema) Goodwin of Charleston, South Carolina, Andre (Crystal) Hightower of Gaston, South Carolina, Rodriekas,   (Brittany) Darby of Florida, Marquita Chisolm of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Anthony (Merissa Thomas) Franklin, Jr. of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Antoine Franklin and Anniyah Franklin both of Norway, South Carolina; sixteen grandchildren, Carter, Anthony, KeAndra, Kingston, Natavia, Rodriekas, Jr., Tyriek, Madison, McKenzie, Jada, Ari, Terrance, Kinashia, Jason,Jr., Alice and Amir; two great grandchildren, Eli and Jasmine; two loving brothers, Harold (Cecelia) Franklin of Burke, Virginia and Reverend Roosevelt (Eunice) Franklin of Springfield, South Carolina; one loving sister, Shirley (Marvin) Davis of Norway, South Carolina; mother in law, Martha H. Lindsey of Norway, South Carolina; brother in law, Reverend James E. (Sybrenda) Holiday of Williston, South Carolina; sisters in law, Ruby Lindsey Grant (Stevie Ansley) of Jacksonville, Florida; Diane (Larry) Bloome of North, South Carolina; aunts, Caroline Williams and Alma Lois Holiday; Godchildren, Brittany (Roderick) Hughey, India (Pete) Creech, and Malia Slater; Special Cousin, Robert (Amanda) Jordan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates and friends.

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