On September 15, 1962, the world was blessed with Franklin Delano Williams Jr. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Franklin Delano Williams Sr. and the late Del Jeannette Murphy. Franklin was a dedicated son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was a man of God, strong in his faith.

Franklin was educated in the Detroit Public School system, graduating from Denby High School in 1982. While at Denby, he was a football and track star and was voted Most Athletic Player. Franklin received a Brick Masonry Certification from Golightly Vocational School in Detroit. In 1988, he joined the Detroit Fire Department as a firefighter. Franklin nobly served, dedicated, inspired, and mentored new cadets while serving with the Detroit Fire Department and rose to the rank of captain. He always went above and beyond to get the job done. Everyone he came in contact with was impacted by him.

Franklin met his soulmate, Shanita Williams, on October 17, 2004, while she was tailgating and he was passing by on the fire engine. From their first date on October 24, 2004, they were inseparable. They married on May 8, 2010, and Shanita Williams became Shanita Williams-Williams.

Franklin had many leisure activities. He had a fond love for golfing and played on courses throughout Michigan and all over the world. He was an avid Detroit Lions fan who, along with his wife, proudly held season tickets. He was also a coach for many years with the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), coaching for the Eastside Cowboys, the Detroit Dragons, and Crockett. He impacted the lives of his players in the same manner as he encouraged his new cadets. Franklin was Past Master of Redeemer Lodge 53. Franklin was an extraordinary cook and a Jack of all trades. If he didn’t know how to fix it, he would do the research and learn how.

On April 8, 2020, Franklin left his earthly home and was received into his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Shanita Williams; his father, Franklin Williams, Sr.; children, Carolyn Rivers (John), Ashley Williams, Franklin Williams III, Andre Johnson, Dorian Williams, Georgia McCaughan, and Jordyn Williams; five sisters; two brothers; grandchildren, Amir Williams, Robert Terry (RJ), Rylee Davenport, and Brayden Davenport; dog, Jack, and cat, Cuba Kitty; a host of nieces and nephews; in-laws; and his many brothers and sisters in the Detroit Fire Department and all First Responders.