William Franklin

William Edward HUMP Franklin passed away on December 13, 2014. He was born February 15, 1941 to Herbert Big John and Lillian Monroe Franklin in Sulphur Bluff, Texas. He grew up in Wadsworth, Texas and graduated from Bay City High School. In 1951 he moved to Kingsville, Texas to attend Texas AI University. He paid his way through college by working for Dick Clarke at Clarke Welding. He married Irene Hock in 1968, and graduated from Texas AI in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration. They had three sons, John, Bill and David.
In 1974 he and Irene started Franklin Welding Services, Inc., and for the next forty years they and the Franklin Welding Crew built a successful oilfield service company that survived the ups and downs of the oilfield. He was later joined in ownership by Robert Salazar, Ruben Sandoval, Jr., and Steve Peterek. Together, they continued with his philosophy of God, family, hard work and great employees.
Although he was proud of his business accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. They were everything to him. Clearly the most trying time in his life was the loss of son John however, he and Irene survived this difficult time thanks to their faith, and numerous friends and family who provided support. The outpouring of love he and his family received was never forgotten.
Hump was thankful for the blessings he had been given. Whether the purchase of a raffle ticket, a donation to a local charity or church, or helping someone with college tuition, he was known for sharing what God had provided. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and involved in various other organizations, boards and committees in Kingsville and Burnet.
Hump had many hobbies but his true love was bass fishing. Every free moment was spent preparing, or on the lake searching for another ten pounder. Countless hours were spent building and improving the ranch in Burnet. It was his ambition to leave behind a gathering place for his family and friends to enjoy for many years to come. He loved to entertain which arose from his love of people, and he was always in search of a reason to celebrate.
A man of strong faith, he passed peacefully in prayer. He is survived by his wife Irene son Bill, his wife Kristie, and their children Campbell and John son David, his wife Holly and their daughter Elizabeth Ann daughterinlaw Amy FranklinRogers, her husband Korey and their children, Camden and Maddox and brother Glen, his wife Joyce and their children Scott and Stephanie. He also leaves behind numerous family, friends, fishing buddies, golf buddies, and hunting buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son John, and his mother and fatherinlaw Adam and Gertrude Hock.
He requested no flowers. Rather, he asked for donations to the John Franklin Scholarship Association, PO Box 511, Kingsville, TX 78364 or your favorite charity.
Visitation will take place after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at the TurcottePiper Mortuary Chapel. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at the TurcottePiper Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014 at St. Gertrudes Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Kingsville at Chamberlain Cemetery.
Services are entrusted to TurcottePiper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.

Visitation

TurcottePiper Mortuary Chapel
205 General Cavazos Blvd.
Kingsville, TX  78363
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Service

Rosary

St. Gertrudes Catholic Church
1120 South 8th street
Kingsville, TX  78363
Thursday, December 18, 2014
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Chamberlain Cemetery
735 West Caesar Avenue
Kingsville, TX  78363

Memorial Contributions

P.O. Box 511
Kingsville, TX  78364