Rick Franklin

He is survived by his beloved wife, Aillene Franklin, his daughter, Sarah, and his son, Carter, his step daughter, Tonya, and her children, Georgia and Jackson, his four sisters, Doris, Diane, Gale, and Kay and his three brothers, Bud, Audie, and Fabian.

Rick was born in Hudson, NC in 1953, one of eight children. After graduating from high school in Caldwell County, Rick went on to join the military and was a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division. He was especially proud of his military service. After leaving the army, he went on to college, earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. He was a well-respected psychologist in the North Carolina Department of Correction for over three decades, addressing himself to many of the criminal justice system’s most difficult problems. After a well-earned retirement in 2010, he pursued his many interests, including music, fishing, biking and travel. He and Aillene travelled frequently across the US in their Airstream trailer and adored the journeys they had together.

Rick was married to Aillene on Nov. 17, 2000, and together they built a life of love and respect that was admired by those that knew them. Rick was a wonderful husband to Aillene for 14 years, a devoted father to his children, Sarah and Carter, and a caring step father to Tonya and her children, Georgia and Jackson. He was a kind and loving man to his family and many friends.

His passions were music, the great outdoors, and friends. He leaves behind many cherished memories for his family and friends. Rick was especially blessed with the gift of music; he could play and sing to the delight of everyone who heard him. He made friends easily and kept them for a long time. A group of his best friends, who called their group Winter Quarters, were to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2015. That’s how long he kept his friends. Rick loved Winter Quarters and they all loved him.

Rick leaves behind a legacy of love and loyalty and who could hope to do more than that?

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, N.C. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, P.O. Box 807 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807.

Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com