Even as a young child J. Franklin Phillips Jr. had a charming smile, manner and a winning personality. It took him a long way. “Doll,” as he was affectionately known, was nicknamed by his sister Anastatia as a baby. When she saw him for the first time, she called him “Doll.” “Philco,” was his nickname he earned as a teenager. Franklin was the youngest child of Dr. G. Franklin Phillips Sr. and Hazel Mitchell Phillips. He was born on May 20, 1942 in Baltimore. He peacefully passed on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, at Keswick Multi-Care Center. He grew up in Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church. As a youth, he sang on the Junior Choir and was very active with the Methodist Youth Fellowship.
In June, 1961, he graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where he was known as a snazzy dresser – Dapper Dan – and participated in various sport activities and clubs. Franklin married Christine Harvey and from this union, two sons, G. Franklin III and Christopher Steven was born. He later married Thelma Davis. Both marriages ended in divorce.
His work experience included employment at CSX Railroad, Bethlehem Steel and as a counselor at Boys Village, in Cheltenham, Md. Franklin’s last eight years were spent at Keswick. Each year on his birthday, Anastatia made sure family and friends would come to celebrate, and reminisce about the ‘good ol’ days.’
He was very involved at Keswick and was referred to as the Mayor of Keswick.
Franklin’s greatest joy was watching and talking about Ravens’ nation. Anastatia made sure he had every piece of the Baltimore Ravens paraphernalia. He leave to celebrate his life a dear and devoted sister, Anastatia Phillips Benton (James); two sons, G. Franklin Phillips III, and Christopher Steven Phillips (Cheryl); five grandchildren Christopher Steven Phillips Jr., Christine Phillips-Sikander (Zohaib), Tiyi Phillips Hardesty (Joshua), Shannon Dominique Phillips, and Rachelle Sherman Phillips; three great-grandchildren; niece, Nichole Benton Mainor (Michael; and nephew, James L. Benton III; and a host of cousins and friends.