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.
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I lived beside Allen for almost 20 years. He was a good friend and neighbor. Allen was always helping his neighbors with their projects. I will miss him a lot.
I knew him from taking care of his mother when I worked as a CNA years ago at Autumn Care of Drexel. He was always friendly and kind to the staff when he came to visit her.
Praying for this family. Allen was always so nice to me and I will miss seeing and talking with him. Many blessings to this family.