Franklin Thomas Cotner “Gator”

Franklin Thomas Cotner “Gator”, 79, a resident of Fort Myers, FL since 1971, formerly of Marathon, FL, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 in Fort Myers. He was born August 29, 1943 in Fairfield, CA to Paul Cotner and Margaret A. Clup, now deceased.

Franklin was of the Pentecostal faith and attended Sonshine Church in Fort Myers. Franklin was a hard worker all throughout his life. From 1971-1987 he Co-Owned Gator Utilities where he was tasked with running the entire operation. He would make sure the jobs were completed correctly down to the equipment being serviced. In 1987 he started working at Burkett’s Auto Parts as a Co-Owner/Operator mostly selling auto parts. In 1991 he went on to own Auto Clinic Sales & Service where they did vehicle sales, Buy Here – Pay Here, vehicle repair and towing. Franklin was known as the onsite chef, if you were there, he would offer you lunch as he loved to cook up something daily.

In 2016 Franklin had announced his retirement, but this didn’t last long… he couldn’t stay at idle long. From there, he began a “desk job” at Turn-Key Auto, Tire & Wheel. Franklin was working with his son, Troy and grandson, Travis where he shined. Customers loved coming in to talk with him and hear his stories. He was a people person and never met a stranger.

In 2019 Franklin decided it was time for his final retirement. To know him was to love him, and we ALL do love him. He was very well respected and liked by many. During his last days in the hospital, he was making friends and joking with everyone. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife since 1972, JoAnne Thompson of Fort Myers; children, Debi Spiller (Nick) of Punta Gorda, FL, Lisa Lumbert (Lloyd) of Loxahatchee, FL, Toni DeMaris (Randy) of Monteray, TN, Bobby Cotner of Bridgewater, VA, Dink Cotner of Fort Myers, and Troy Cotner (Tammy) of Buckingham, FL; brother, Carl Cotner of Tallahassee, FL; as well as nine grandchildren, multiple great grandchildren, and a large loving extended family.

Franklin was preceded in death by his children, Franklin Cotner, Jr., Thomas Dale Cotner, and Susette Brannan.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Sonshine Church, 12925 Palm Beach Blvd A, Fort Myers, FL 33905 with Pastor Bobby Calvert officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 1:00 PM until time of service. Committal services to follow at Fort Myers City Cemetery, 3200 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.