Willard K. \ Franklin

WEAVERVILLE—Willard K. "Ray" Franklin, age 86, of Weaverville died Thursday, October 2, 2008. Mr. Franklin was born March 9, 1922 in Buncombe County where he lived all of his life. He was employed with American Enka for 32 years and retired from NC Department of Transportation. Ray was the son of the late, James Lee and Julia Duck Franklin. He was also preceded in death by his son, Terry R. Franklin and brothers, Stanley and Ben Franklin. Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Gladys Chandler Franklin; son, Kimsey R. Franklin and wife Marilyn; sister, Analee Eller; grandchildren, Kimmie Franklin and wife Heather, Candace Franklin Revis and husband Mike and Joseph Franklin and wife Sarah and great grandchildren; Jeremiah, Greyson, Chandler, Emily and Gabriel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in Flat Creek Baptist Church, of which he was a lifetime member, with the Rev. Barry Fisher officiating. Burial will be in West Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville where the body will remain until placed in the church at 1:00 p.m. prior to the services. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, N.C. 28813 or Flat Creek Baptist Church, 21 Flat Creek Church Road, Weaverville, NC 28787-9348. www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com