John Lewis Franklin

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.