Rickey L. Franklin

Rickey L. \"Bubba\" Franklin, age 47, of Highland, IL., died Thursday, May 18, 2006, at Pinckneyville Community Hospital in Pinckneyville, Illinois. He was born June 12, 1958, in Sacramento, CA., the son of Marlette and Anna (Tice) Schmittou. Rickey was born in California, and grew up in New Mexico and Texas. Rickey was Baptised in 1973 at the Bible Baptist Church in Jackboro, TX. He served with the US Marine Corps in Vietnam. He played Semi Pro Football in Texas and came to Illinois in the early 90\'s and lived in Highland. He raced at Highland Speedway in car #31 and drove for TMCI. He moved back to Texas for 5 years and returned in IL in 2001. He drove a truck for TMCI @ Highland, EC Transit @ Pontoon Beach, and last year went to work for Grantham Customer Tailored Service @ Caseyville. He loved NASCAR, Dale Earnhart, his dog \"Cookie\", being with family, and was always a prankster. He was a member of Baptist Faith. Survivors include Mother-Anna (Tice) Schmittou of Wichita Falls, Texas, Mother-Letha (Bert) Hopkins of Bryson, Texas, Fiancee-Robin L. Gracie of Grantfork, Ill., Son-David Philips, Daughter-Tiffany Franklin of Bryson, Texas, Son-Gerald Franklin of Wichita Falls, Texas, Step Child-Barbie Collins of Arlington, Texas, Step Child-Teri \"Sissy\" Longnecker of Arlington, Texas, Step Child-Samantha Gracie of Grantfork, Ill., Sister-Mary Nell James of Dallas, Texas, Sister-Sherrie I. (Tom) Chrestman of Highland, Ill., Sister-Kristie (Donny) Williams of Wichita Falls, Texas, Niece-Lisa Harding of Dallas, Texas, Niece-Angie (David) Salvage of Mineral Wells, Texas, Niece-Dwana (Neal) Rieke III, Niece-Brandie (Justin) Royer, Nephew-John Williams, Nephew-Todd Williams, Great Nieces & Nephews-Several ., Uncle-Charles Tice of De Kalb, Texas, Uncle-Leon (Jan) Tice of Ozona, Texas, Aunt-Louise Garner of De Kalb, Texas He was preceded in death by Father-Marlette Franklin, Grandmother-Edith Goodin, Grandparents-Bert (Nora) Hand, Uncle-Joe Hand, Uncle-Jack Hand, Uncle-David Hand, Brother-Roy Demitropoulos Tice, Brother-Jerry Hitchcock Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill. Interment will be at Woodman Cemetery in De Kalb, Texas Memorial contributions may be made to To The Family.

Rickey L. Franklin

June 12, 1958 - May 18, 2006