Visitation

March 17, 2023
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Service

March 17, 2023
2 p.m.

Committal

March 17, 2023
3 p.m.

James “Allen” Franklin, 71, of Morganton, NC passed away Monday, March 13, 2023.

He was born in Burke County, August 1, 1951 to the late Johnnie Lee Franklin, Sr. and Nelda Sarah Powell Franklin. Allen worked at Drexel Knitting Mill, built houses for Morris and Smith Realty, Southern Devices, and retired from the Department of Corrections. Allen was also a retired member of the Drexel Fire Department. He loved fishing with anyone who would go with him, working in the yard, and most importantly, he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Allen is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lori McNeilly Franklin; sons, Scott Franklin (Tonya) and Chris Burgess; daughter, Jessica Williams (Wayne); grandchildren, Tyler Franklin, Savanna Coffey, Zakkery Burgess, Samantha Coffey, Isaac Burgess, and Serenity Williams; great-grandchildren, Hero Freeman and Halo Madison; brother, Johnny Lee Franklin Jr. (Dolly); sisters, Dorothy Lowman (Elbert), Linda Absher, and Carolyn Ray; several special nieces and nephews; and two very special couples that were like family, Ernest “Cuz” Hughes and Carolyn Clark, and Henry and Louise Lowman.

In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Elaine Jarrett.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2pm in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Kevin Crawford officiating. Burial will follow Burke Memorial Park.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tribute Wall

Leave a tribute for James "Allen" Franklin.

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So sorry for your loss. Allen was a good friend. We will miss him.

—Raymond and Carolyn Bucklew

Lori, I am so sorry to hear of Allen's passing. He was such a kind and helpful person. I will be praying for you and your family. If you need anything give ne a call. Live you.

—Margaret Foreman

Cousin Allen...God rest your weary soul. You were a kind and decent man. The world is a lesser place now. Love to Lori and all your family!

—Lynn Byrd
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—Myra McNeely Sain

What a good guy! Growing up, as first cousins, we lived in different states (NC and VA), and visited twice a year. We all looked forward to those visits and still cherish them to this day. Thankfully, I got to visit with Allen and Lori last June 2022 when he was well. Talking with him on the phone these past 2 weeks were very special while he was in the hospital. He loved his family so much and fought so hard. God bless you Allen, we already miss you and hope to reunite with you one day! Love, Gail

—Gail Mattingly

We worked with Allen at Foothills Correctional. Little did we know, at that time, what great friends Allen and Lori would become. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lori and family. I will miss my "brother".

—Ernest "Cuz" Hughes and Carolyn Clarke

So sorry to hear of Allen’s passing he and I grew up together hanging around with each other since we were able to walk I will surely mess him my prayers are with each and everyone of the family, as they go to this time of grief..

—Jack and Kathy Poteet

I worked with him at Foothills Correctional, he was always happy and smiling. Prayers for the family.....

—Pat Simpson

I am so sorry for your loss. I pray GOD hold you and bless you all in this time of grief.

—Linda Barrier Clark
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Prayers for the family

—Tina Lackey
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