Obituary: Franklin Pettis

It is with deep sadness that the family of Franklin Pettis announces his peaceful passing on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the age of 81 years old, in Orlando, Florida.

Franklin was born on July 18, 1944 in Ocoee, Florida.

He will be fondly remembered by his loving wife, Linda (Thornton) of 61 years; children, Connie (Pettis) Lemley and Roy Shelton; daughter-in-law, Rosetta; grandchildren, Nathan, Sabrina and Zachery; sister, Nancy Fields; as well as several other relatives and friends.

Franklin was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Roy and Wonda (Peterson) Pettis; his four brothers, Bobby Pettis, Robert “Boots” Pettis, Roy Pettis Jr. and Buddy Pettis; his two sisters, Sybil Howell and Janie Johnson; and son-in-law, Kenneth Lemley, Jr.

Franklin was a resident of Ocoee, Florida, for most of his life, proudly graduating from Ocoee High School in 1962, where he played football and was a member of the band. Franklin would go to work for what would later become Sprint in 1968 and retired from them in 2005.

Franklin was an active member of Glad Tidings Church in Ocoee, Florida, where he served on the Leadership Team as an adviser and the Head Royal Ranger Commander. He loved attending church and participating in the many community outreaches the church performed from helping with community festivals, Super Bowl parties or greeting members. Many times, he could be found helping in the kitchen or entertaining attendees with colorful stories.

In 1968, Franklin found his true calling as he joined the Royal Rangers. Franklin would spend the next decades, forging trails, exploring and camping across the nation. He spent his life mentoring young boys into becoming successful men and teaching them about the love of his savior, Jesus. In this capacity, Franklin would go on to join the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship, a historical reenactment group specializing in pre-1840 American Era Adventure. He would go on to serve as President and later adviser of the organization. From here, he would go on to participate in a Cowboy Club and help establish a medieval reenactment society as well. Franklin would use his love of history to show his love for his Lord and his love for others as he lived out the motto: reach, teach and keep people for Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 6. The service will start at 11 a.m., and there will be a time for friends and family at 10:30 a.m. The service will be at Glad Tidings Church, 2009 E. Fullers Cross Road, Ocoee, Florida 34761. We are asking everyone to come dressed, as you knew him. He lived a life full of adventure so FCFers, wear your duds, Rangers wear your uniform, Cowboys wear your finest garb, whatever else you want to wear to remember him and his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Glad Tidings Church Missions in Franklin’s name, and the church will make sure the programs he so greatly loved and supported will get your gift.