Bobby Franklin, a former Ole Miss quarterback known for his standout college football career, passed away on May 13 at 88.
He grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and was a talented athlete in high school, playing four different sports.
In 1956, he earned a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he played quarterback from 1956 to 1960. While there, he helped lead the team to three straight bowl games.
Franklin shined in big moments, winning Most Valuable Player honors in the 1958 Gator Bowl and the 1960 Sugar Bowl.
He threw two touchdown passes in the Sugar Bowl and helped Ole Miss defeat LSU 21-0.
Later in life, his impact on the game was honored when he was inducted into the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. Franklin left behind a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Bobby Ray Franklin
Bobby Franklin is survived by his wife, JoAnn Hannaford, and their two children, Bobby Ray Franklin Jr. and Ashley Franklin Beale.
He often shared photos with his wife, JoAn Hannaford, on Facebook, where friends and fans would comment warmly.
Many noted how JoAn seemed never to age, and she was often described as the steady presence behind his success. While Bobby was the coach, JoAnn was their family’s backbone.
Wonderful picture, Jo Ann never seems to age. She is always beautiful. Bobby you look great also.
RuthandDanny Caldwell
The Coach that was more than a coach at all levels and his partner that was his back bone.
Lish Trice
Similarly, Aylon Putt shared that Coach Bobby Franklin meant much more than being a coach to many people.
He was lucky to play under him during Coach Franklin’s final two years at Northwest.
He remembered Coach Franklin’s love for the game, evident in his voice before every game, and how much he cared for his players.
He also said that Coach Franklin had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a joke.
Every time they saw each other, they’d share a hug and a laugh.
Coach Bobby Franklin was so much more than a coach to so many. I had the privilege to play two years under him and it was his last two years at Northwest. His knowledge, extreme passion for the game you could hear in his voice before every game, his passion for his players, and his sense of humor were and will be unmatched. Always had a quick wit about him everytime I saw him, we always hugged and had a good laugh. He will truly be missed, but one things for sure, legends never die, and he is definitely a legend! Prayers for his family.
Aylon Putt
After finishing his time as an NFL player, Bobby Franklin began coaching. He started as the defensive backs coach at Georgia Tech from 1967 to 1968.
He then moved to the NFL, joining legendary coach Tom Landry’s staff with the Dallas Cowboys.
From 1968 to 1971, he coached the defensive backs and became the special teams coach in 1972.
During his time with the Cowboys, the team played in Super Bowl V and Super Bowl VI.
In 1973, Franklin continued his coaching career with the Baltimore Colts, working with the defensive secondary.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Coach Bobby Franklin.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on May 18 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at Howard Coliseum, located on Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia.
- He was recognized by several prestigious organizations, including the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame, Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Clarksdale/Coahoma County Sports Hall of Fame.
