Obituary of Franklin Delane Wilkinson

Franklin Delane Wilkinson, 90, of Haines City, FL passed away December 30, 2023. He was born on December 28, 1933, to Hazey and Leila Wilkinson in Blue Springs, AL. Delane was an honorable man whose entire life was dedicated to his family and helping others. Delane was a produce truck driver and moved from Blue Springs to Haines City in 1968. Delane's Truck Brokerage of Haines City, FL was established in 1975 and is still in operation by the family. He was known in the trucking and produce business as a man who always did the right thing by everyone.

Delane is survived by the love of his life of 70 years, Joanna Wilkinson and three children, son, Steven Delane (Gloria) Wilkinson, daughter, Mary Ann (Tommy) Lewis and son, David Franklin (Connie) Wilkinson; as well as Merri Ann Montgomery (Mark). He was also "Papa" to many grandchildren (Brian, Jennifer, Aaron, Matthew, Joshua, Lauren, Mary Catherine, Delana, Cody, Mari Beth and Mitzi) and great grandchildren (Tripp, Landry, Lincoln, Lennox, Eli, Micah, Rosalinda, Marcos, Wilkinson, Carpenter, Hazey, Cade, Morgan, Jackson and Alexandra). Delane was predeceased by his parents and four brothers and two sisters.

A visitation for Delane will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 2 pm until the funeral at 3 pm at NorthRidge Church in Haines City. Burial services will be held at Bethel Cemetery in Blue Springs, AL.