Our History

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to work along side of my children to continue my family’s commitment over the years, serving Chattanooga families with a high level of compassion and care during their times of need”, says John Sr. “We are committed to our vision and believe that re-establishing ourselves as a family owned and operated firm allows us to serve a greater purpose and is in the best interest of our customers and the Chattanooga community”. John P. Franklin Sr.’s father, G.W., was the first African American funeral director and embalmer in Chattanooga when he established the Franklin Funeral Home in 1894, when funeral homes used horse-drawn hearses and family coaches.

John Sr, along with his brother, Ben Franklin and sister, Mabel Franklin Taylor succeeded G.W., operating the firm until 1952.

At that time, a new partnership was formed to include John, Sr., his sister Mabel Franklin Taylor, Fred Reynolds, and Reuben Strickland, creating the Franklin-Strickland-Reynolds Funeral Home.

John Franklin Sr. and Cheryl Franklin Key are licensed funeral directors. John “Duke” Franklin is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, all under State of Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers / Burial Services, and all are active members of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association.