A Journey of Faith, Family, Service and Community

Story by Paula Jimenez

“I am honored to serve in this role, and I am thankful to God and my community for the special opportunity,” he says. “The key is to realize that you are never too old to learn and take time to listen to the veteran colleagues.”

– Honorable Smith County Judge Neal Franklin

In the heart of East Texas, amidst the piney woods, Smith County Judge Neal Franklin shares a rich background that blends public service, deep familial ties, with unwavering faith. A native Tylerite, he attended Tyler schools. Franklin’s roots run deep in Tyler, Texas – his father was a principal, and his mom was a school nurse for the Tyler Independent School District. According to Franklin, he chose to attend Stephen F. Austin (SFA) because it was close to home, and his incredibly good friend attended SFA. For him, it felt right; he pulled down his degree from the lumberjacks. “Ax ‘em, Jacks,” he says!

His story is one of passionate commitments to Smith County. He brings a unique blend of skills, experience, and knowledge. According to Franklin, his family, encouragement from respected colleagues, ample prayer, and a continued drive to serve the public directed his career path.

HE SERVED:

• Seven years as Tyler Fire Chief
• Seven years as General Manager of East Texas Medical Center EMS
• Smith County Commissioner, Pct. 1 for two years before being elected as Smith County Judge for three years.

HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

• Texas Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors
• Better Business Bureau Board of Directors
• BCFS/ Baptist Child and Family Services Board of Directors
• Tyler Junior College/ Emergency Medical Service Professions Advisory Board of Directors-Chair
• Smith County BHLT/ Behavioral Health Leadership Team- Co-Chair, Stakeholder
• Leadership Tyler Marketing Committee
• The Children’s Park of Tyler Board of Directors
• Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Board of Directors

He is grateful for having so many mentors, and he respects those who had faith in his ability and were willing to place him in those leadership positions. “I am honored to serve in this role, and I am thankful to God and my community for the special opportunity,” he says. “The key is to realize that you are never too old to learn and take time to listen to the veteran colleagues.”

In the tapestry of life, love and family are often regarded as fundamental elements of life. For Judge Franklin, this connection is highlighted by the bond he shares with his wife, Valli. Their journey began in their childhood church. Throughout the years, their connection blossomed into something profound. Franklin took “the” step forward and invited Valli to a local steakhouse for their first date. After their first date, he just knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Less than a year later, they got married.

“She is my best friend and my prayer warrior. I am blessed,” he says. Together, they have raised two sons and a daughter, and are now proud grandparents to two grandsons, a granddaughter, and another grandchild on the way. “The love for our adult children continues to grow, and I cherish every moment spent with our grandkids,” he says.

As Franklin juggles his responsibilities as County Judge, it is the support and love from Valli and their growing family that fuels his commitment to serve the Smith County community with devotion and purpose. He never made a significant career change without first praying and then having a long discussion with Valli and ending with them praying together.

As County Judge, Franklin describes his job as a blend of city manager and mayor. Overseeing a workforce of 900 employed by Smith County, which the Commissioners Court oversees. They approve the county’s budget, purchases, and all contracts for service. According to Franklin, he also has judicial duties that are lesser known by the general public. He presides over the mental health commitment hearings, which he describes as “having unfortunately grown into a busy job.”

He believes mental health services are crucial and is very passionate about enhancing the community’s support system and improving the mental healthcare delivery service in the community. He recognizes there are many Smith County residents dealing with these mental health issues.

A typical day for him includes a flurry of activities. When he arrives at the office, he catches up on emails and mental health paperwork, followed by attending internal and external meetings. He would then have lunch with colleagues and attend various board meetings or scheduled luncheons, leaving the after- noons to provide time for mental health commitment hearings or additional meetings. And every Tuesday morning at 9:30, Commissioners Court is held at the Smith County Courthouse Annex building.

Judge Franklin flashes back and says the best part of his fire service career was the camaraderie with his fellow firefighters. He enjoyed responding to the needs of the public when they were experiencing what was often the worst day of their lives. And now, as a County Judge, it gives him great satisfaction to be part of such a wonderful team. “I love being able to support our dynamic, hardworking team members,” he says. “I also enjoy economic development and see building our tax base in this fashion as the future of Smith County.”

Despite the demands of his position, Franklin remains actively engaged in the community, although several laws limit his non-profit involvement as a Judge. Before he was elected as a judge, he was involved in the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County and the Children’s Park of Tyler. He remains involved with the various local Chamber of Commerce groups as well as the Tyler Economic Development Council. And he and Valli are members of the Emerald Bay Community Church.

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Franklin offers advice. “Do not give up on your long-held dream just because you may face some setbacks. On the other hand, do not automatically disqualify a career opportunity just because it does not match your exact plans. God’s path does not always match our strategic plan.”

Judge Franklin has earned multiple accolades, including the Elected Official of the Year Award from The Cenikor Foundation, a non-profit foundation devoted to helping people with substance use & behavioral health disorders. The 2024 Patrick McSwane Award during the Smith County Behavioral Health Leadership Team luncheon (SCBHLT). SCBHLT is a network of organizations and individuals working to improve the quality of life in Smith County for individuals and families affected by mental illness. And The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Tyler Independent School District. Faith and prayer have always been an important part of his family’s and siblings’ lives, and he continues to keep the two a top priority in his own life.

With the support of his family, the guidance of his faith, and a heart dedicated to his community, Franklin’s drive is to continue making a positive impact in Smith County, building a legacy that he hopes to inspire generations to come.

Courtesy photos by the Honorable Smith County Judge Neal Franklin

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