Deacon Burney Lee Franklin was born on January 6, 1936, in Madison County, Alabama, to the late Tee and Velma Franklin.
He attended Council Training High School in Madison County, Alabama.

He attended 4th Avenue Baptist Church where he accepted Christ at an early age. He stayed a faithful member until he moved to Birmingham. The church is now called Living Word Baptist Church and he served as a deacon for over 40 years.

He later enlisted into the United States Air Force and served his country for three faithful years.

He later met the love of his life, Mrs. Doris Lillian Stringer, and they were married for 51 years. After 32 years of dedicated services, Deacon Franklin retired from the City of Birmingham as a certified laborer.

Deacon Franklin transitioned on October 27, 2022, surrounded by his loving goddaughter and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tee and Velma Franklin; loving wife, Mrs. Doris Lillian Franklin; brother, Paul Franklin, Sr.; nephew, Paul Franklin; sister, Lillie Patton; and special friend, Nettie Mae Brock.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his goddaughter, Latisha Brock (Carmichael); stepdaughter, Kathy Renee Jenkins; brother, Roy Franklin (Eloise); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.