Joseph R. Franklin

JOSEPH “JOE” R. FRANKLIN ALEXANDER – Joseph “Joe” R. Franklin, age 86 of Alexander died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Elderberry Healthcare in Marshall. Mr. Franklin was born October 10, 1929 in Buncombe County where he had lived all of his life, and retired as a carpenter. He was a member of Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. Joe was a son of the late H.B. and Louarty Roberts Franklin. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Louise DeBruhl Franklin who died on February 28, 2016; son, Dennis Franklin; sister, Etta Bea Buckner; brothers, David, Nelson, Claude and Herbert Franklin. Surviving are his daughter, Sheila Marsh and husband Rick; sons; Stevie Joe Franklin and wife Shirley, Ray Franklin and wife Janice, Jeff Franklin and wife Sheri; daughter-in-law, Sandy Franklin; sister, Louella Crawford; brothers, Max and Johnny Franklin; 10 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2016, in Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, 350 Flint Hill Rd., Alexander with Reverend Larry Sprouse officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour prior to the service. At other times, the family will be at the home of Sheila and Rick Marsh. The family would like extend a special “Thank You” to Elderberry Healthcare. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Franklin’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.