Thomas Edward Franklin III was born July 6 ,1962, to Freda Mae and Thomas Edward Franklin II. He spent his childhood in Indiana.

Thomas graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1981, where he participated in football and wrestling. He moved to Dallas in the late 80’s where his career in security began.

Thomas married the love of his life, Gaila Nelson, in 1992. Tommy and Gaila had two children: Travis Davis and Tonya Franklin.

Tommy’s hobbies consisted of cheering on the Chicago Bears, westerns and war movies. Tommy continued his career in security until retirement in 2011.

Tommy leaves to cherish his memory a lovely wife of 32 years: Gaila Franklin; one son: Travis (Camille) Davis and one daughter: Tonya Franklin (special friend Corey Green); grandchildren: Brandon, Jonathan, Truly, Zariyah, and Keonta’; two brothers: Leonard and William; one sister: Tonie; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.