God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be. He put his arms around you and whispered come to me.

Mr. Thomas Anthony Franklin of Lynchburg, VA was called to eternal rest on December 21, 2022.

Thomas was known by most as Tommy, Tom or Tom cat. He was born April 10, 1957, to the late Thomas Franklin, Jr, and Louise Jackson Franklin in Amherst County. In addition to his parents, Tommy was predeceased by his sister, Velma Taliaferro.

Tommy was educated in the Amherst County school system. He loved to work with his hands doing anything from plumbing to replacement windows, finish carpentry, roofing, and decking. There was not much he couldn't do. He worked various construction jobs and always found time to help family and friends. He was a quiet, gentle teddy bear, but don't poke the bear.

Tommy leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Serina Jackson; two sons, Michael Jackson, and Thomas Franklin Jr., all of Lynchburg; three brothers, Bernard Franklin of Hampton, Bruce Franklin (Anna), and Rodney Franklin (Rhonda), both of Madison Heights; six sisters, Lottie Cabell (Allen), Carolyn Franklin, Maryland Robinson, all of Madison Heights, Gloria Burford, of Monroe, Priscilla Hemmings (Stanley) and Sharon Haley (Steven) both of Lynchburg; eight grandchildren, My'Aisha Anderson, Isaiah Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jr., Xavier Jackson, Dynasty Anderson, Damarious Jackson, Mekhi Jackson and  Mi'kel Jackson, all of Lynchburg; one great-grandchild, Tramir Farmer-Thompson, devoted friend and companion Mae Brown of Lynchburg; 4 aunts; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

With tearful eyes, we watched you pass away.  Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stop beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He always knows what's best.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2022, at Scott Zion Baptist Church.  Mr. Franklin will be on view until 6:00 PM Thursday, December 29, 2022. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.