William was born July 8,1953, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Bill grew up in Jackson, MS. He graduated from Mississippi State and was commissioned into the Air Force where he served for 20 years.

William (Bill) Franklin passed away September 2, 2018, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Franklin; daughter, Christina Svarstad and her husband Kelly; son, Noah Elliott and his girlfriend Brette; and step-daughter, Heather Harnish and her husband Wrex. He also leaves behind his brothers, Bobby and Jim Franklin and their wives.

A memorial service will be held at 9:15 on September 28, 2018, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Following the service Bill will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or the charity of your choice.