Sam Derrell Franklin, 86, died Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Abilene.  Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Bailey-Howard Funeral Home Chapel in Clyde with David Peterson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Clyde Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Sam was born July 7, 1939, in Abilene, to Leslie Pope Franklin and Gladys Jewel (Lane) Franklin.  He was a 1958 graduate of Clyde High School and attended Abilene Christian College.  Sam worked as an electrician for 50 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  He had moved back to Clyde from Farmers Branch in 2001 and was a member of the Clyde Church of Christ.

Sam is survived by two sons, Dwayne Franklin of Clyde and Adam Lee Franklin of Frisco; one brother, Troy Franklin of Abilene; one sister, Anita McCoy and husband Kenneth of Clyde; and one granddaughter, Shayli M'Lynn Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Kenneth, Randolph, Ray, Ralph and Andy Franklin; and three sisters, Maudine Franklin, Amonda Thomas and Clorita Massey.