Arthur Lewis Franklin Sr.

LITTLE MOUNTAIN – Arthur Lewis Franklin (Buck), 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 15, 2012. Mr. Franklin was born and raised in Columbia, S.C., and served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a self-employed general contractor and building inspector for more than 40 years in the Columbia area.

Mr. Franklin was a kind and gentle husband and father and a friend to all and he never met a stranger. He was a lover of nature and enjoyed bird-watching and spending time outside working in his yard. He also loved pets as if they were his own children, rescuing many dogs over the years that needed a safe and caring home.

Mr. Franklin is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Ann Franklin; son, Arthur L. Franklin Jr. and his wife Sherri; daughter, Deborah Holmes and her late husband Kenneth; and daughter, Donna Westfall and her husband John. He is also survived by his sisters, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2012 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Dutch Fork Baptist Church in Ballentine, S.C., and a burial service will be held immediately following at Bush River Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Carolina Wildlife Care, 5551 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29212.