Jerry Samuel Franklin, 68, of Wellington, died Monday, February 8, 2016 at Mercy Allen Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 2, 1947 in Barrett, West Virginia to the late Courtney L. and Christine (nee Smedley) Franklin. Jerry was a 1965 graduate of Wellington High School; following high school he joined and proudly served his county in the United States Army during Vietnam. Jerry worked as a tool and die maker for Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the American Legion Post 8 in Wellington. An avid sports fan, Jerry coached Hot Stove for several years and was a dedicated Cleveland Indians fan. He was also a talented craftsman and luthier who designed and built the house he lived in. He owned a cabinet shop with his brother David. He also enjoyed making and playing many instruments. Jerry was a good teacher and was always willing to teach and help anyone. He loved to garden and enjoyed canning, cooking, and baking for his family and friends. Most of all Jerry cherished his family and the time that he spent with them, and he was very proud to have become a grandfather this past Christmas Eve. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Shirley (nee Woodward) Franklin; children Cindy Campbell of Wellington, and John (Sara) Franklin of West Lake; grandson Cole Samuel Franklin; siblings Sandra Stanley of LaGrange, David C. (Darlene) Franklin, of Wellington, LaDonna (Bob) Foster, of Dorothy, WV; brother-in-law Stuart Trott, of Hampton, GA and sister-in-law Marcia Franklin, of Elyria; aunts Sue Cook, and Barbara Franklin both of Cleveland, uncle Clyde Smedley of Washington Courthouse; and many nieces, nephews , cousins and special friends. He was preceded in death by his brother James L. Franklin, brother-in-law Bill Stanley, uncle Bill Franklin, and sister-in-law Rose W. Trott. Friends and family will gather for a memorial service at the First Baptist Church of Wellington, 125 Grand Ave, Wellington, on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Alexander officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Wellington. Condolences may be directed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.