Rothel Theodore Franklin

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Funeral Mass for Rothel Theodore “Teddy” Franklin age 47 of Cottonport will take place at the St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church of Cottonport on Saturday, June 24^th, 2023, beginning at 12:00pm with Rev. John Wiltse officiating. Burial will take place at the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

Rothel Theodore Franklin, better known as Teddy or Big Poppa, was born to Katie Marie Kirk and Joseph Franklin on August 5', 1975, in Alexandria, La. Teddy transitioned from this life on June 18", 2023, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. God welcomed him with open arms at heaven’s pearly gates.

Throughout his childhood, Teddy was very adventurous and loved the outdoors. He loved old-school cars, going fishing, and time with family. He was baptized at an early age at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Simmesport, La. He received his education through the Avoyelles Parish school system and while attending Bunkie High School, he played football. After high school, Teddy attended truck driving school where he earned his commercial driver's license and became a truck driver & heavy equipment operator. Teddy loved to work and loved his big truck. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting grass, and barbecuing. He loved trying new recipes, watching tv shows with old-school cars, and traveling. Overall, he loved his family dearly, they were his pride and joy and loved having family gatherings.

Teddy worked for Merrick Construction for many years. If Teddy wasn’t at work on the truck, he would be grilling on the barbeque pit. His business was named Big Poppa Smoking Barbeque and Seasoning in which he barbecued at many festivals and sold many bags of seasoning at various stores. He also hosted the first annual BBQ Cook-Off Contest for the Town of Cottonport. He loved his business, and everyone loved his cooking. Teddy made friends and family everywhere he would go. He was just like a teddy bear, always friendly, loveable, strong, and sweet, one of the best for anyone to meet.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Keyanna Franklin of Alexandria and Ricky Franklin of Tennesse; fiancé, Tracy Jacob of Cottonport; parents, Joseph Franklin of Simmesport and Katie Kirk of Cottonport; sisters, Nicki Kirk of Cottonport, Vicki Kirk Lavalais (Donterius) of Cottonport, and Mya Franklin of Florida; brother, Chris Augustine of Marksville; stepsons, Keylan and Jaylan Jacob both of Simmesport.

Teddy was preceded in death by his stepfather, Manuel Kirk, Sr.; his grandparents, John and Leotha Francisco and George and Lindora Franklin.

Visitation will begin on Friday, June 23^rd, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Escude Funeral Home of Cottonport and will resume Saturday morning at 9:00 am. A rosary will be recited before mass at 11:40am at the church.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.escudefuneralhome.com.

Escude Funeral Home of Cottonport, 552 Front St. Cottonport, LA 71327 (318-964-2324) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.