Franklin Lee Smith Jr. was born June 28, 1988, in Battle Creek, MI, to Laurie Butler-Harris and the late Franklin Lee Smith Sr. He was called home unexpectedly on February 29, 2016 after battling epilepsy and a brain tumor.
Franklin attended Battle Creek Central High and ultimately graduated from South Hill Academy. He was a part of the drumline for many years and enjoyed playing the drums. Franklin was a lifelong member of Saint Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and served as an usher and a member of the choir. He was also a sergeant in the Southwest Young Marines. Franklin loved watching and playing basketball, with his favorite teams being the Chicago Bulls and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
He worked in shipping and receiving at Meijer and as a prep cook at TGI Friday’s. He liked working and being active. He desired to provide for his family and had dreams of becoming a sports announcer/anchor or a chef.
Franklin was a fun-loving and easy going person who loved his wife and family. Franklin met and fell in love with Alisha in high school. They married May 16, 2008, in Battle Creek, MI. From that union they had a daughter Sierra(7) and Austen(1). The family also found out they were expecting another bundle of joy this past December. Seeing his children smile, laugh, and play brought a smile to Franklin’s face. He also loved family gatherings around the holidays.
Franklin leaves behind his wife Alisha, daughter Sierra, son Austen, and baby to be. Additionally he is survived by his mother Laurie Butler-Harris, step-father Edward Harris II, Grandmother Anna Butler, Grandmother Linda Sanders, Grandmother Dr. Cornelia Harris, Great Grandmother Alice Johnson, brothers Edward III, Peter, Nicholas, Bryan, Christopher, Jeremy, four lovely sisters Rayanne, Brenda, Karyn, Valencia, his Aunt Brenda Murphy, Godmother Mary Wilson, and a host of uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Franklin was preceded in death by his father Franklin Lee Smith Sr., Grandfather Edward L. Harris, Grandmother Rosetta Poke, and great Grandmother Array Pruitt.

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