Jimmy Rodgers Franklin, Jr., age 53

Jimmy Rodgers Franklin, Jr., 53, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at home in his sleep.

Jimmy was born on September 19, 1971, in Beebe, Arkansas to Jim Franklin and Frances Ann Stivers-Franklin.  He married April Lee Smith on his 21^st birthday on September 19, 1992.  He retired as a desk clerk for Walmart Distribution in December 2024 after 35 years of dedicated service.  Jimmy enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and most of all, spending time with his family.  Jimmy was known for his unconditional love of his family, his mischievous grin, sense of humor and his generosity.  He was as a self-proclaimed cat dad.

Jimmy is survived by his spouse April Franklin, children Jimmy Franklin, III “Trey”, Miranda Birdsong (Hunter), and grandson Jax Birdsong.  His mother Frances Franklin, sister Leane Franklin, in-laws Joe and Nancy Smith, brother-in-law Matthew Smith (Laura), nieces Courtney Smith, Holly Smith and Maegan McNeal (Tyrik), nephew Charles Smith “Charlie”, great niece Keleigh McNeal “KeKe”, great nephew Tru McNeal and a host of family and friends.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Jim Franklin, paternal grandparents; Jesse and Dollie Franklin and maternal grandparents; Sonny and Lucy Stivers.

Jimmy’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00pm at A Natural State Funeral Service and Crematory, 2620 W. Main St, Jacksonville, AR.  Dress is casual and children are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com