John Lewis Franklin, 82, of Morganton, NC, gained his heavenly home on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Born in Burke County, NC on February 8, 1943, he was the son of the late Arthur Franklin and Jewell Burnette Franklin.
John was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He also served as athletic director of the Salem Ruritan where he held every office except treasurer, and he was involved with coaching young people. John retired from BASF after 30 years of perfect attendance and then worked with his son, David, for 25 more years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shares a birthday with his grandson, John Franklin, 59 years apart.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy Walker Franklin; sons, Todd Franklin and David Franklin (Kristi); grandchildren, Robert Franklin, Crystal Franklin Coan (William), Meghan Franklin Stephens (Sam), and John Franklin (fiancée, Chesnie Whisnant); great-grandchildren, Wells Coan and Wesley Stephens; brother, Steve Franklin (Betty); sisters-in-law, Brenda Franklin and Mildred Walker; uncle, Luther “Bud” Franklin (Francis); nephews, Charles Fisher (Debbie), Dr. Garett Franklin (Linsi), and Kevin Franklin; and nieces, Breana Prewitt (Brete), Janice Sain, Sylvia Smith, and Joyce Denton.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Wesley Franklin; and niece, Lisa Gail Fisher.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025 at Hopewell Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dr. Danny Emory, Rev. Alex Willoughby, Rev. Braden Martin, and Chaplain Stephanie Pace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 1112 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in God’s loving arms. We have fond memories of our boys growing up together and Johnny and David being in the Ruritan.
Prayers for Judy and the family. He was a very special man. We grieve but celebrate his passing to glorious eternity. Peace and hope
Rhea and I are deeply saddened by the news of Johnny’s death. Be assured of our love and prayers for all the family, especially for his wife, Judy, who was our high school classmate at Salem! May the Heavenly Father grant His mercy and grace for comfort and encouragement. Johnny Ross
I am so sorry to hear of cousin Johnny’s passing. I will be keeping everyone in my prayers during this time. Prayers for all, Ginger Ross Whinant (Betty Ross’s Daughter)
My sincere condolences to Judy and the family.
Oh I so sorry to see the passing of my good friend Johnny. Judy please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! 🙏 ❤️ 😢
My condolences to all John's family; especially to my old friend and Salem High classmate Judy. I did not see him after high school days, but it sounds like he had a great life and left many offspring to carry on his legacy. May God console all of his loved ones. Mike
Worked with Johnny for twenty years at BASF. Shipping office was the morning meeting place for coffee and conversation. Johnny was an expert at his job and was extremely knowledgeable of all the tedious regulations when it came to shipping chemicals. He was a very good softball player as well and we had good times on our company team. Happy that our paths crossed and we had the friendship we had. Sincere sympathy and condolences to all the family.
We are very sorry for your loss. Johnnie was a great mentor and coach to all the kids he was associated with at Salem. We appreciate his contributions to our community and children. He worked tirelessly in and at the Ruritan Club. He will be missed!
You will be truly missed I used to love coming into work and hearing your stories and your knowledge and wisdom of almost anything you were a great man and I know I’m not just speaking for myself when I say this Heaven game tonight, Angel in the world lost a great man I will miss you my friend until we meet again RIP.