Bobby Ray Franklin

Bobby Ray Franklin was born on September 23, 1942 to William and Dovie Franklin in McCamey, Texas. He was the youngest of three children.

His family moved to Eunice, New Mexico when he was in grade school. During his time there he was active on the football team helping the Eunice High School Cardinals win two New Mexico 2A State Championships. After graduation from high school, Bobby attended Lubbock Christian University.

He eventually settled his roots in Odessa, Texas where he met the love of his life, Martha Lay. They were married on May 13, 1989 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they built a great life revolving around lots of love and family. His most honored roll was “Papaw” to his grandchildren.

Bobby was an avid outdoorsman of hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed trying his luck at the casino. Marble games, dominoes, cards, and puzzles were some of his favorite pastimes. He was a life long sports fan watching everything from college to professional sports. His love of sports flowed into coaching his son, Brian’s league baseball team every single season. Bobby retired from Black Warrior Wireline after 30 years of employment.

Bobby was a believer in Christ. He was a member of the Vine Baptist Church of Odessa and often opened his home to host the prayer meetings for the church. He was baptized in 2022. The family finds peace in knowing that he is healed and reunited with his love of 30 years, Martha Marie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings: William Franklin Jr. and Nancy Lamb; brothers-in-law: William Lay, Charles Tarver, Dwayne Humble, TB Lay Jr., and John Lamb; sisters-in-law: Billie Hampton, Melba Tarver, and Wanda McKnight.

Bobby is survived by his son: Brian Young and wife Britni of Odessa; daughters: Christina Nguyen-Franklin and wife Swannie of Del City OK, Michelle Jenkins and husband Shane of Rocksprings, and Stephanie Harkrider and husband Jeremy of Frisco.

He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Donna Humble, Jimmie Sanders (Phillip), Pattie Lay, and Jeanell Franklin; grandchildren: Zackary Woody, Brittany Marsh (Levi), Christopher Palmer (Brandi), Damon Palmer (Erin), Colby Jenkins, Trey Lopez, Cameron Jenkins (Suzette), Caleb Monti, Braden Young, Jayslin Young, Shailynn Young, Madilynn Young, and Graham Young; great-grandchildren: Austin, Brody, Karter, Addison, Chandler, Lynnlea, Jade, August, and Ryker; and host of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Meals on Wheels and the staff of Home Hospice of Odessa. The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to special friends Nancy and Ginger for their love and care to Bobby. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Meals on Wheels.

A gravesite service officiated by Pastor Johnny Touchstone will be held on August 6, 2025 at 12 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas.