Charles E Franklin, age 97, lifelong resident of Phenix City, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord, on Monday, October 29, 2018. Funeral services are scheduled at Lakewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City, Alabama on Thursday, November 1, 2018, 12 noon, with Reverend Grant Parker officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Mr. Franklin, son of the late Lonnie Franklin and Katie Maryland Moore Franklin, was born October 16, 1921 in Phenix City, Alabama. He graduated from Central High School in 1942 and then served his country honorably with the U.S. Army during World War II. During his distinguished military career he received numerous awards to include the Purple Heart; Philippine Liberation Ribbon; and the Presidential Navy Citation. After his military service, he worked in several machine shops in the local area and then began a career with Sunshine Biscuits where he worked faithfully until his retirement as a machinist, serving over a 30 year span.
Mr. Franklin enjoyed talking about and sharing stories of World War II with family and friends. He was regarded as "A Great Man" and "The Best Father a Son Could Ever Have." Mr. Franklin was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church; the American Legion, Fletcher McCollister Post #135; and an avid Auburn Tigers fan.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Ann Humphries Franklin, and a brother, Ralph Curtis Franklin. Mr. Franklin is survived by one son, Charles C. Franklin and his wife Linda of Phenix City, Alabama; two granddaughters, Haley Rebecca Borin and her husband Will of Columbus and Mary Katelyn Scott and her husband Josh of Phenix City, Alabama; two great-grandchildren, Reid H. Scott and Sally Wren Borin; many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Midway Baptist Church, 9244 Lee Road 246, Smiths Station, Alabama 36877. Condolences may be offered at www.shphenixcity.com.
