Aubrey Church of Christ
The churches of Christ welcome you

Willie Franklin-
Man on Evangelical Mission
Willie was born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1949. His
childhood family moved to San Diego, California in 1959 where Willie
graduated from Abraham Lincoln High school in 1968, then later earned
All-American in football and track, as well as state runner-up in
wrestling at Mesa Community Junior College. Willie enrolled at the
University of Oklahoma to play football & graduated in 1972 with a
degree in Education. Meanwhile, in 1971 Willie was a walk-on with the
Baltimore Colts and made the team. He played for them for almost two
years and was converted to Christ by Ron Fletcher in 1973.
In 1974, Willie signed with the Los Angeles Rams, but his heart was more
in the Lord's work. He decided to give up pro-football to attend Harding
University for a two year preaching program in 1975 (Biblical Studies).
While at Harding preaching school, Willie traveled all over the states
preaching and teaching the gospel to young and old alike. He taught at
workshops, gospel meetings, youth rallies, special Sundays, Christian
camps, college lectureships. In addition, he taught through mission work
in Jamaica, Canada and Alaska. Willie finished the Biblical studies
program in 1977 and returned to Clinton, Oklahoma to work with Ron
Fletcher.
Willie returned to Harding University 1979, to work as Campus Minister
and recruiting students to attend Harding College. In 1981, Willie took
an opportunity to teach bible classes at Dallas Christian in Mesquite,
TX. In 1983, Willie married Pam Albanese. They soon moved to Papua New
Guinea, where they lived for seven years doing mission work around the
island. They also worked among the churches of Christ in Australia.
One year after returning to the U.S. with three daughters – Natalie,
Janelle and Rachelle – their son, James, was born to the Franklins.
Willie worked with Avon Malone and the Wilshire Church of Christ, as
well as doing evangelism on the campus of OCUSA and Oklahoma University.
In 1995, Willie, Pam, and the four children moved to Murfreesboro, TN to
work with the churches of Christ around middle Tennessee, and the Leanna
Church of Christ. In 1999, the family moved to Rolla, Missouri to work
with Tony Wallace and the churches of Christ in that area, while also
working a campus ministry at University of Missouri-Rolla. In 2004,
Willie and Pam moved the family to Corinth, TX where they are currently
doing work in Campus ministry at the University of North Texas, as well
as working with the churches of Christ in that area.
Today, while also working with the Aubrey church of Christ, in Aubrey
Texas, Willie continues to be a “man on a mission” – to seek out & save
the lost is his heart’s burning desire.