Rev. Franklin Gardner, age 87, a resident of Martin, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Jackson-Madison General Hospital in Jackson, TN. He was born on February 13, 1939, in Gardner Community, TN to the late James Franklin Gardner and Alva Elvera Hester Gardner.

Franklin owned and operated Gardner Welding for many years before devoting himself fully to his lifelong passion of preaching. He was the current preacher and an active member of Gardner Methodist Church in Martin and Stanley’s Chapel in Union City

For 62 years, Franklin faithfully served as a full-time preacher in churches throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. He dedicated his life to ministry, touching countless lives and forming many lifelong friendships with the people and families he served along the way.

When he wasn’t preaching, Franklin enjoyed spending time with his family and pursuing the hobbies he loved most, including hunting, fishing, restoring old tools, collecting Case knives, and woodworking.

Mr. Gardner is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ann Elizabeth Hicks Gardner of Martin, TN; his four children, Teresa Elizabeth (Chet) Ellis of Dresden, TN, Tammie Lorraine (Kerry) Mosley of Dresden, TN, Tyler Lane (Cristal) Gardner of Newbern, TN, and Tracey Lea Gardner of Dresden, TN; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Franklin is preceded in death by one son, Tony Lynn Gardner.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Murphy Funeral Home in our chapel.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Gardner Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm until the hour of service.Stephen Fincher and Rev. Tommie Martin will officiate.
Burial to follow at Gardner Cemetery.

Murphy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-587-3121