John was born May 13, 1944, to Billy Franklin and Ethel Jones in Galveston, Texas.  He resided in Galveston until his death. Funeral services are 11:00am Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Friends are welcome at the funeral home beginning at 10:00am Saturday.

He attended Galveston public schools and graduated from historic Central High School with the class of 1962.  After graduating he became one of the few African American Merchant Seaman from Galveston supporting U.S. Military vessels.  He was a member of the Seafarers International Union.  Upon his return home he worked for local funeral homes in various capacities for many years.

In 1972 he accepted a position with the Texas Department of Transportation.  For 33 years he was a dutiful Deck Hand and took pride in his position.  He encountered many passengers and families over the years and built lasting relationships with many of them.

After his retirement he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He took delight in cooking, landscaping his yard, gardening, and working on various home improvement projects. He was known in Galveston and beyond as the "go to" for scrapping and hauling.

He was often on "porch duty" as he affectionately called it, engaging with friends and neighbors as they made their way down 39th street.  Often you could find a variety of people on "porch duty" with him just to talk and glean from his comical wisdom.

His ultimate enjoyment came from spending time with his late wife Mary. She was the love of his life, his friend, and confidant until her untimely passing. It didn't matter what they were doing if they were together. They could be often seen siting together or shopping hand in hand.  Their love was evident to all who witnessed it.

John who was affectionately known by close family and friends as "Johnny" was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Robert L. Johnson Jr. (Bobby) sister Jean Womack, niece Terri Womack-Williams, and granddaughter Shelby Franklin.  John leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Rhonda Franklin, son John Jr. (Kellie) and stepson Anthony Garner.  His grandchildren Ricky Willis Jr., Ashley Bennett (Czyz), Edward Benjamin III, Crystal Sallie (Emory), Bria Johnson, and Aliyah Johnson.  John will also be remembered by his 25 great grandchildren and a host of close family and friends.

John shared close relationships with family and friend that he cherished until his passing.