Anthony Andre Franklin, 56, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 7,  2025, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Miami, Florida with his mother at his bedside.

Anthony was born on March 2, 1968, at the Coatesville Hospital, Coatesville, PA to his loving parents, Terrence E. Franklin and LaVonna Gaines Franklin.

He was raised in Coatesville.  Anthony graduated from the Coatesville Area Senior High School, class of 1986.  During his high school years, he was on the swim and track teams and ROTC.  Anthony graduated with honors.

He attended Widener University and Pierce College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Gulf War.  Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1993, he relocated to the Philadelphia area. He also lived in New York and most recently resided in Florida.

Anthony, known as "Bun-Bun", "Smoke", and "Tony" was employed at National Debt Relief in New York as a Debt Consultant.

In addition to his parents, Anthony is survived by his former wife, Denise Caldwell; daughter, Verranda Caldwell Franklin "Starra"; granddaughter, Skylar Wilson "Princess"; sister, Serena Parker (Walter) of Delaware; niece, Jasmyn Parker "Cookie" of Delaware; aunts/uncles, Frances Gaines Hamilton (Kenny) of North Carolina, Mark Jackson (Khadja) of Pennsylvania, Therman Gaines (Rose) of Texas, Rene Anderson, Larry Franklin, and Gary Franklin (Faith) all of PA; and godmother, Hattie Johnson PA; cousins, Dana Anderson (Desiree) of KY, Troy Gaines of NC and Iman Jackson-Alston (Sam) of FL and a host of many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He also leaves a bonus aunt and uncles: Kimberly (Duane) Graveno and Warren Southern; special friends/brothers who stood by his side throughout: Qwynn, Corey, CJ, Steven, Gregg, Damon, and Howard.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Therman Gaines, Sr., Doris Gaines; paternal grandparents, Robert Franklin, Fegger Benjamin, Mary Alice Franklin; aunt, Delores Franklin, and uncle, Charles Anderson.

Submitted by the family.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville, PA followed by a service beginning at 12:00 noon.

Click here on Friday, February 21st at 11:45 AM  EST to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.​

Zoom Meeting ID: 846 9015 0438    Passcode: Wright

Interment will be held in the Church of Christ Cemetery in Ercildoun, PA

Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service. The flower theme colors are white and gold.

Condolences may be shared at the guestbook tab. Condolences to be read should be faxed to 610-383-7523 or emailed to wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com to the funeral home by Thursday 4 pm.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page where all are welcome to light a candle or share a picture in his remembrance.