Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Lucky Charles Franklin

Obituary

Lucky Charles Franklin (1954–2024)
Lucky Charles Franklin, aged 69, passed away on July 7, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was
born on August 16, 1954, to Luckie Franklin and Rosie Lillian Daniel. Lucky spent his early
childhood days with Aunt Ada, whom he loved dearly. She affectionately referred to him as her
“Charl-zee Boy.”
Lucky’s passion for music blossomed when he heard his grandmother play gospel songs on the
piano. Although his mother was a concert pianist, Lucky was drawn to the soul-stirring melodies
of gospel hymns. His remarkable talent allowed him to play these hymns by ear, captivating
audiences whenever he encountered a piano or organ.
Guided by his devout family, Lucky embraced spirituality from an early age. His grandfather,
Wesley Clayborn Daniel, Sr., a pastor of two churches near Bryan, Texas, instilled in him a deep
understanding of scriptures and the essence of worship. Lucky’s musical journey, rooted in his
grandmother’s gospel piano playing, led him to dedicate over 45 years as a pianist and organist at
the Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ. He served under the leadership of Pastor Thelma
Battle Buckner, Pastor Dwight Buckner Sr., and later, Pastor Leo Gilliam at Greater Bible Way
Family Church.
Beyond music, Lucky’s career spanned diverse roles, including sheet metal work, landscaping,
and factory equipment operation until his retirement in 2013. He attended Carver Elementary
School, Neal Junior High, E. A. Kemp High School, and North Texas State University.
Lucky’s personal life was marked by joy, laughter, and a love for the Star Trek series. His light-
hearted and engaging personality endeared him to many. He leaves behind his sister, Jacqueline
Stewart, nieces Kendra, Penan, Crystal, Destinee, Zaria, Gabby, and nephew Cayden.
Additionally, numerous first and second cousins scattered across Texas, friends from Kemp High
School’s class of 1974, and longtime friends Fayola Jones, Terry Gregory of Minnesota,
Companion Ozetta Champagne, and the Minnesota Church community along with others who
cherished his kind-hearted nature.
Lucky was preceded in death by his mother, Rosie passed away at the age of 33 in 1958,
grandmother Addie Christine Daniel (d. 1965), and grandfather (d. 1969). His father, Luckie
Franklin, passed away at the age of 86 in 1999. Lucky’s legacy encompasses love, music, and
faith—a testament to a life well-lived.

Funeral Services: Sunday, July 21, 2024 2:30P.M at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 West 18th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803

Visitation Services: Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 11:00A.M. until 7:00P.M. at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 West 18th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803