Franklin Delane Cleckley of Washington, D.C., departed this life on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Miracle Manor Assisted Living facility in Rockville, Maryland. Franklin was the son of the late Inez Cleckley and Thomas Cleckley, Jr.  He was born on March 16, 1935, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was raised in Washington, D.C. and attended high school there.

Franklin served four years in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. After serving in the Navy, Franklin settled in the Washington, D.C. area. He was an excellent athlete and played semi-professional football and baseball. He became a member of Mount Olive Baptish Church in Woodbridge, VA where he joined the church choir. He loved the Lord as well as his church family and the community.

Franklin worked for Metro and the Prince William County Public Schools. He retired as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He loved sports, reading mysteries and thrillers, and doing crossword puzzles.

Franklin was preceded in death by both parents, his siblings – Mae (no middle name), Ruth Mae, Melvin (no middle name), Carey Roosevelt, Marie Elaine, James Dennis and William Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his brother, Willard David (Round Hill, VA), grandson, Ron Jackson (Tacoma, WA), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.