05/21/2012:  Received notice today from Ernie Ayala that he heard from Leroy Lavigne that fellow dog handler and Lifetime member Jerry D. Franklin passed away today.  He died of COPD after struggling with it for five years.  Jerry served with the 212th MP Co. in Plekiu 1966-67.  He leaves wife, Betty behind.  He was from Greenback, TN. RIP.

OBITUARY

JERRY DAVID "COWBOY" FRANKLIN

FRANKLIN, JERRY DAVID "COWBOY" - age 67 of Greenback, TN, passed away May 21, 2012, at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN. He was born in Roseville, CA. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965-67 and was a military policeman and sentry dog handler in Vietnam. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Ruby Lee Franklin of Loomis, CA; brother, Tom Franklin of Lake Tahoe, NV. Survivors include wife, Betty Jo Franklin of Greenback; brothers, Joe Franklin of Orangevale, CA, and Jack Franklin of Carson City, NV; sister-in-law, Denise Bradburn of Maryville; brother-in-law and wife, Tom and Sharon Chester of Knoxville; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts. He was a journeyman wireman for IBEW 760. Hobbies included woodworking, reading and day trips. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Eagles and retired from IBEW 760. Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 24, in the Veterans Garden of Honor at Grandview Cemetery, Maryville, TN. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, TN, in charge.