Hall of Fame

Over the years, we have lost some of our pioneers and innovators. We take this space to celebrate their lives and all the left us. Thomas H Franklin Thomas Hoover Franklin, 67, of Oldsmar, Fla., entered into eternal life May 21, 2009 at home. He was born January 31, 1942 in Gallipolis, Ohio, and was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin IV of Point Pleasant, West Virginia and Virginia Hoover Franklin of Athens, Ohio. Tom was a 1960 graduate of Greenbrier Military School and attended the University of Miami. In 1968, he joined the Lion’s Club in Columbus, Ohio, and later the West Hillsboro Lion’s Club in Tampa, Fla. In 2007, the Lion’s Club recognized his dedication to humanitarian service by presenting him with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. From 1966 until his death, he was professionally dedicated to the awards and engraving industries. In 1973, he became a manufacturer’s agent, traveling extensively and representing many fine awards companies. The Franklin family would like to especially acknowledge three of these businesses; Tower Ribbons and Awards, Johnson Plastics and Liberty Supply Company, Inc., whom Tom had the distinct honor and pleasure of representing until his passing. Our family will be forever grateful to these company's owners and employees for their unwavering support during Tom's illness. In 2004, the Award and Recognition Association (ARA) presented him with the inaugural “Sales Representative of the Year” award. In 2008, he was awarded the industry’s highest honor when he was inducted into the association’s “Hall of Fame” (ARA). In the same year, he was presented an additional “Hall of Fame” award as one of the original members and founding fathers of the American Awards Manufacturers Association (AAMA); these awards were given for his contributions and dedicated service to the industry. Tom loved big band, jazz and the music of artists such as Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme. He also was an avid baseball fan. Tom was a devout Christian and served as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin. Tom dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, his wife, sons and grandchildren as well as his many dear friends and customers. Most of all, Tom will be remembered for his tremendously kind, humble and gracious spirit as well as being a consummate gentleman. He is survived by his wonderful and devoted wife, Carol Kaufmann Franklin; two sons, Mark (Jessica) Franklin and their children, Natalie and Tommy, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and Jon Matthew Franklin and his children, Noah and Hannah, of Columbus; and brother, Dr. Benjamin (Jo Taft) Franklin V of Columbia, S.C. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 29 at the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, 455 Scotland St., Dunedin, FL 34698. Florida Award Professionals

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