Thaddeus "Mike" Franklin was born February 5, 1955, to the late Louis Franklin and Rosa Lee Adams. He graduated from Newton High School in 1973. He later became an entrepreneur owning Sissy's Café and Hilltop BBQ. He had a love for entertaining and cooking for family and friends, never meeting a stranger. He was loved by many and had much love for many, especially his grandchildren.

Thaddeus was preceded in death by his parents; father, Louis Franklin, mother, Rosa Lee Adams, and brothers, Milton Sears, Jerry Franklin, Terry Franklin, and Calvin Napolean.

Thaddeus leaves to celebrate his life and legacy: daughters, Ametria Franklin, Janell Franklin (Roger), and Whitley Hartsfield, all of Newton, TX; sons, Derrick Newman of Beaumont, TX, Ranzy Franklin of Newton, TX, and Jamar Ross of Tyler, TX; grandchildren, Adrian, Javarri, Avery, JaRiyah, Rajayla, Taylen, Tylee, Devon, LeDarrion, Demarcus, Jaslyn, Joslynn, Jamarlyn, and Jace; sisters, Roslyn Wyatt (Augusta "Jr.") of Spring, TX, and Joyce Hill (Lydell) of San Diego, CA; his aunt, Catherine Hilton of Beaumont, TX; nieces, Lisa Sears, Marilyn Halton, Kenya Price, and LaToya Larkin; nephews, Javonte and Jayden; special sister-in-love, Kinnetha Harriel-Watkins; and a host of other family, friends, and bonus children.