Loraine A. Franklin "L. A." was born in Rockbridge, County, VA on September 23, 1932, to the late Whitney Henry and Mamie Lee Franklin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Carol T. "Sista" Franklin.

L.A. was educated in Rockbridge County and after graduating he served a tour of duty in the United States Army Reserve.  In 1955 he was honorably discharged and returned to Lexington where he began his career in funeral service.  L.A. would eventually relocate to Lynchburg, Virginia where he continued his mortuary career with Wilson Funeral Home, Parks Funeral Home, and Carl B. Hutcherson Funeral Home, Franklin & Turner Funeral Home.

The early 1990s he became the sole owner of Franklin Funeral Home which eventually was renamed Franklin Funeral Home. L. A. would later become pillar at Franklin-Hutcherson Funeral Home where he faithfully served families with compassion, dignity and respect. In appreciation for his dedication and hard work he was recognized in 2002 by the City of Lynchburg for Lifetime achievements.

In 2003 he was honored for his lifelong service when he was named Mortician of the Year by the Virginia Morticians Association.  In addition to his longstanding mortuary career L. A. was a beloved figure in the community.  He served Lynchburg Community Action Group for 35 years serving in the Capacity of Treasurer and Chairman of the Board.  In his spare time, L.A. liked to spend time with friends, and being a faithful servant to his beloved church Court Street Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years.

In addition to his mortuary career, L.A enjoyed the sport of baseball and most of all he loved being a devoted "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn "Duck" Franklin; son, Loraine "Brother" Franklin, Jr. (Terrell); granddaughter, Octavia Garrison (Mark); grandsons, Tajah Franklin, and Richard "Tre'" Wansley; great grandsons, Mark "MJ" Garrison III and Emory Franklin. Also left are three devoted family members, Derek Johnson, Ken Jones, Kim Smith, and a host of other loving family and friends.  He will be surely missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Franklin and Hutcherson Funeral Home of Lynchburg are in charge of the services.