William Gordon Franklin

Mr. William Gordon Franklin, born on November 5, 1949, in Columbus, Georgia, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on January 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bess McCants Franklin and Crawford Monroe Franklin, two infant sisters, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Davis Franklin.

Mr. Franklin is survived by his devoted wife of more than 50 years, Carolyn Tarwater Franklin of Huntsville, AL; his daughter, Susan Elizabeth Franklin of Huntsville; his son and daughter-in-law, Steven Andrew Franklin and Bridget Leann Franklin of Madison, AL; and his cherished grandson, Zion Jeremiah Franklin of Madison, AL; and his brother, Robert McCants Franklin of Walterboro, SC. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces who will fondly remember his kindness and guidance.

The Lord blessed Mr. Franklin with a life of purpose, service, and accomplishment. He grew up in Smiths Station, Alabama, where he excelled academically and graduated from Smiths Station High School as the Salutatorian of his class. He went on to attend Auburn University, participating in the prestigious NASA Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program. This opportunity allowed him to alternate semesters of study with full-time, paid work experience at NASA, laying the foundation for his lifelong dedication to space exploration.

Mr. Franklin began his distinguished career at NASA during the Apollo program, contributing to humanity's first steps on the Moon. Over more than 40 years as a dedicated civil servant, he served at both the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. His work spanned pivotal eras, including the Space Shuttle program and numerous other initiatives, culminating in his retirement in 2010 during the Constellation program. Colleagues and leaders regarded him as an invaluable asset to NASA and to our nation, praising his expertise, reliability, and unwavering commitment to advancing space exploration for the benefit of all.

A lifelong active member of the United Methodist community, Mr. Franklin was deeply involved in the Lay Speaking Ministry and served in various roles within his local church. He joyfully shared his faith, mentored others, and served with humility and grace. He especially loved contributing to worship through music, playing trombone in the orchestra and singing in the choir, where his talents helped uplift the congregation and glorify God. He also supported broader Christian renewal efforts, including Via de Cristo and Walk to Emmaus, investing time and encouragement in programs that renewed faith, built Christian community, and equipped believers to live out Christ's love in everyday life.

Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35806. A Celebration of Mr. Franklin's life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held afterward at Huntsville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, in support of its music ministry, outreach programs, or other initiatives that reflect his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and Christian community.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and support from friends, former NASA colleagues, church family, and the broader community who walked alongside Mr. Franklin and now join in honoring his faithful legacy.