Michael Douglas “Skipper” Franklin, 71, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Camden, where he was born and lived most of his life.

He was the son of Margaret Greening Beavers and C.T. Franklin, both of whom preceded him in death.

Skipper attended Fairview High School, where he made many lifelong friends. He spent about 20 years working in East Camden for Lockheed Martin, where he was a production and maintenance supervisor. During his career, he also worked as a Ouachita County Sheriff’s deputy and for the Wessel Brothers Foundation Drilling Company along with his uncle Billy Ray Greening.

He loved fishing and hunting, competing in bass tournaments in his younger years. He also loved his boxer Hank, who was rescued from the brink of starvation to lead a properly spoiled life.

Skipper was one of the initial voices strongly championing “Save The Gym,” the effort to rescue the old Fairview High School gymnasium. He loved gathering with friends at high school reunions in this much-loved facility.

Skipper is survived by his son Michael Todd Franklin (Kelly) of Virginia, two granddaughters; his sister Linda Sargent (Ed) of Dallas; a half-sister Maurie Maestas (Mike) of Hot Springs; his cousin Bill Greening (Patty), as well as numerous other cousins and lifelong friends.

Among the family members who preceded him in death are his maternal grandparents, Paul Douglas and Christine Greening; his maternal uncles James Douglas Greening, Bobby Greening, Tyson Greening, Billy Ray Greening, Powell Greening; and his maternal aunt Ruth Ann Headrick.

We wish to thank the staff of The Springs and the Gentiva Hospice team for caring for Skipper over the past few months.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, November 13, at the Events Center at Fairview Park in Camden.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the animal shelter of your choice or to the nonprofit Events Center at Fairview Park Inc., 2740 Mt. Holly Road, Camden, AR, 71071.