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Northeast Mississippi business icon...

Northeast Mississippi business icon Hassell Franklin has died

By: Frank Corder - January 23, 2023

Franklin was the founder of Franklin Corp., one of the largest, privately owned furniture manufacturers in the nation, based out of Houston, Mississippi.

Hassell Franklin passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. He was the founder and CEO of Franklin Corp. The esteemed businessman began Franklin Corp. in 1970 and has been supplying upholstered furniture worldwide for over 50 years.

The northeast Mississippi native grew up on a farm. He was a classmate of Elvis Presley in Tupelo. He served in the U.S. Army and commanded the company that protected James Meredith during the integration of the University of Mississippi. He later graduated from Mississippi State University earning an industrial engineering degree.

Franklin was also a philanthropist, establishing a $1 million endowment at Mississippi State University to build the Franklin Furniture Institute, a research and training center benefitting the furniture community.

Franklin was recognized and honored as a Mississippi State Alumnus of the Year, as well as a Itawamba Community College Alumnus of the Year.

During his career, Franklin was actively involved in the community serving as past president and board member of CREATE Foundation, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Regional Rehabilitation Center, United Way of Northeast Mississippi and Sanctuary Hospice House. He served as lead director of BancorpSouth (now Candence Bank), as well as on the boards of the Mississippi Economic Council, North Mississippi Health Services, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Publishing Co., Journal Publishing Houston, Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi, Community Development Foundation and Community Relations Association.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com