R.C. Franklin Jr., age 78, formerly of Clay City, Illinois, passed away on Monday night, August 10, 2026, in Fishers, Indiana.

      He was born October 13, 1947, in Sailor Springs, Illinois, the son of Roy Caleb and Doris (Hunley) Franklin. He married Joann Parkerson on May 19, 1978, in Pensacola, Florida, and together they shared 48 years of marriage.

      R.C. was a 1965 graduate of Clay City High School and later earned an associate degree from Kaskaskia College. In 1968, R.C. was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country for two years, including duty in Korea.

      Throughout his working years, R.C. held regional management positions with Albertsons and Phar-Mor. After returning to Clay City, he became an owner and operator of Watch It Oil Corporation. He had served on the Clay City Village Board and was a member of the American Legion and the Elks.

      Above all, R.C. was a devoted family man. He cherished Joann, and the life and family they built together meant everything to him. His steady, unconditional care extended to his children and grandchildren, and he took great pride in the people they became and the families they were raising.

      His family knew him as their hero, mentor, role model, and often their first call when advice was needed. Words could never fully express how deeply R.C. cared for his family—or how deeply he was loved in return. Some of his greatest joy came simply from being with family—watching his grandchildren grow, sharing a meal around the table, or spending any ordinary day surrounded by those closest to him. He taught those around him how to live with kindness and devotion through the example he set every day. His grandchildren knew him as a loving grandfather, and the memories they made with him will remain with them throughout their lives.

      R.C. was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan and was always ready to cheer on his teams. He also had an eye for a tremendous bargain and a knack for returning home with an unexpected bounty after finding a deal too good to pass up. Those closest to him knew he couldn’t resist a good bowl of ice cream—one of life’s simple pleasures he was always happy to enjoy. And music was something R.C. always enjoyed—especially Bob Dylan. There was something in Dylan’s lyrics, unmistakable voice, and chords that resonated with him and kept him listening over the years.

      R.C. is survived by his wife, Joann Franklin of Clay City, Illinois; a daughter, Christi (Kevin) Drew of Fishers, Indiana; a son, Caleb (Melissa) Franklin of Fishers, Indiana; a bonus son, Doug (Dawn) Vickery of Pensacola, Florida; six grandchildren, Preston Franklin, Payton Franklin, Waylon Drew, Stella Drew, Presley Franklin, and Piper Franklin; a brother, Butch (Becky) Franklin of Clay City; and a brother-in-law, Don Cunningham of Olney.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Floyd Franklin and Mark Franklin; and two sisters, Barb Cunningham and Dallas Hemphill.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Clay City Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

      Memorial donations are suggested to either the American Stroke Association or the American Diabetes Association.

      To share a condolence or memory, visit www.frankandbright.com