Nelson Franklin

Aubrey "Nelson" Franklin, 88, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2011. He was a Veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict. He retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of the Air Force Association and past president and board member of the Military Officers Association of America. In WWII, Nelson served in the Navy aboard a mine sweeper in the Southwest Pacific. He retired from the Social Security Administration as a supervisor with 33 years of service. Nelson was past president and lifetime board member of the Shelby County Association for Retarded Citizens. In 1988, he received the Social Security Administration Secretary's Distinguished Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his volunteer service to the mentally handicapped citizens of Alabama. After his retirement from the SSA, Nelson had a second career with Adventure Travel, working in processing as a courier. He was a dedicated Crimson Tide fan. Nelson was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Franklin; and his parents, William and Annie Franklin. Survivors include one daughter, Ann Franklin; nieces; and nephews. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Monday, August 29, 2011 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. The funeral service will be at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.