Franklin Dunbar "Coach" Wesley, Jr., 77, of Houston, Texas formerly of Beaumont, Texas passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Remembering Franklin, Jr.

Franklin Dunbar Wesley, Jr. was born on February 8, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas to Bennie Jean Cook Wesley and Franklyn D. Wesley, Sr.  He was the only child born to this union and his parents preceded him in death.

Franklin spent his early childhood roaming the vast campus of Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas where his Father was a Professor of Radio and Technology.  Even in his early childhood he did things his way, walking over the campus meeting people, investigating the Agricultural Department- watching the livestock.   When his parents moved to Houston, Texas he attended Miller Junior High School where he met his future wife, the late Beverly Ann Govan Wesley. After graduating from Jack Yates Senior High School, he returned to Prairie View as a freshman and enjoyed his college life making lifetime friends and completing his bachelor's degree in Industrial Education. Upon graduation, he began his professional career as an educator in Beaumont Independent School District where he held various positions as teacher, coach, and assistant principal.  He married the late Beverly Ann Govan and to that union were born two children, Eric and Erica.  He was a loving and caring father, who always made time for his children and their friends.  Upon retirement, he quickly settled into being a beloved grandfather to Bailey and Valentina and a loyal Houston Texans' fan.

He was a very jovial and social person, never meeting a stranger and always ready to talk, play dominoes and card games or attend a football or basketball game.  He was an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the Appomattox Club, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Prairie View A&M University Athletic Club, Prairie View AM University National Alumni Association (Life Member), and an Inductee into the Southeast Texas Coaches Association, Inc.

As Father

Dad was loving, fun to be with, inspirational, and encouraging.  He was very loyal to family and friends.   My home was always a place where friends (his and mine) hung out.  We shared a love and passion for Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). He graduated in 1965, and I followed him in 1992.   My fondest memories of my Father were during holidays and at our annual college homecoming.  These occasions were special to me because we had quality time together, and it was a joy to see how he delighted in all holidays.  I attended his 50 ^th college class reunion where he was presented the PVAMU Gold Jacket for being an alumnus for 50 years.   I was so proud of his accomplishment, and we had the best weekend ever celebrating and enjoying all the festivities. I will forever cherish the time I was able to spend with you.  I love you dearly.

~Erica ~

My Father taught me the value of risk and reward when it comes to loving and dealing with people.  He was the first in line to trust you again if you had proven to be untrustworthy.  If you owed him money, he was swift to give you what you needed without considering what you already owed him.  He was hasty to empower people to improve and advance. He carefully observed people in all walks of life from the parking lot attendant to the president of the university, assessing what he could do to help, encourage or inspire them.  The beauty of my Father is that he always seemed to stretch whatever resources he had: money, time, advice, etc. to somehow meet the needs of others.  Many remember my Dad as the "life of the party," but his ultimate goal was to be a lifeline.  Well-done Dad…well-done!  You succeeded in leaving an influential legacy of random acts of love and giving that will continue to keep a part of you alive through generations that I may not ever see or know.

~Love Eric ~

As Friend

Farewell my good and faithful friend.  I'm a better man because our paths crossed over 72 years ago.  You always had, and will continue to have, a special place in my life. Through Kindergarten, Elementary School, the Boy Scouts, High School, and College, we were always there for each other.  You will be missed.  Rest in peace.  I love you my friend.

~ David W. Hilliard~

Franklin and I almost did everything together as true and faithful friends would.  We were inseparable.  I have had acquaintances, but no one will ever be a true friend like Franklin.  I love you.

~ Ronald Mitchell ~

On Friday, June, 26, 2020, Franklin Dunbar Wesley, Jr. went to his home in glory.  Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of generosity, concern for others, lasting friendships, and faith in Jesus Christ are:  Son, Eric Lawrence Wesley; Daughter, Erica Wesley Robinson (Howard); Granddaughters, Bailey Anne Robinson and Valentina Grace Wesley; Sister-in-law, Barbara Govan and other cousins and many special and dear friends.

Our Sincerest Gratitude

Words of thanks seem inadequate for all the kindness that has been shown to our family during this difficult time. We are grateful for the thoughtfulness, the prayers, the encouraging phone calls, the lovely cards, beautiful floral arrangements, and the donations to Prairie View A&M University.

We thank our respective churches for their great comfort in the assurance that we are not alone in this hour of sorrow.  Each kind deed makes real the promise of our Savior . . . "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

• Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Family (Beaumont) - Dr. John R. Adolph, Pastor
• Cornerstone Baptist Church Family (Arlington) – Dwight McKissic, Pastor
• The Feet of Mountain Climbers Family Church (Ft. Worth) – Keith Gardner, Sr. Pastor

Special thanks to the care teams of Home Instead of Houston (especially, Annie Jackson), The Colonnades at Reflection Bay (Pearland, Texas) and Fort Worth Transitional Care Center (Fort Worth, Texas).

~The Family of Franklin D. Wesley, Jr.~

The Visitation*

Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 12:00 Noon to 5:30 p.m.

Mercy Funeral System, Inc.

1395 Gladys Street

Beaumont, Texas 77701

(409) 833- 8656

*Masks and social distancing are required.

Final Visitation by Family*

Friday, July 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

*Private*

Interment*

Live Oak Memorial Park and Cemetery

12563 West Port Arthur Road

Beaumont, Texas   77705

*Masks and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any donations be made to:

Prairie View A&M University

https://giving.pvamu.edu/FDWesley

or

Mail to:  Prairie View A&M University

Office of Development, Attn! LaShonda Williams

P.O. Box 393

Prairie View, Texas  77446