Thurman Ray Franklin, 78 of the Hares Creek community of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022.
He was a native of Jackson County, N.C., born April 22, 1943, to the late Thurman N. and Ruby Rogers Franklin.
He is survived by his wife, Ola Gladden Franklin; daughters, Devona Rae Finley (Eric) of Waynesville, N.C. and Sonya Kotila (Kenny) of Sylva, N.C.; his two granddaughters, which were his pride and joy, Karissa and Hayley Finley; brother, Boyd Franklin, his ham radio companion, of Tennessee; younger brother, Mark Franklin of Hayesville, N.C.; older sister, Phoebe Bateman (Howard) of Franklin, N.C., twin sister, Reba Beck (Sam) of Hayesville, N.C.; step-sons, Eddie Anderson, David Anderson, Dale Anderson and Jackie Anderson; and step-daughter, Sue Adams all of Robbinsville, N.C.
Ray had been an employee of Hensley Tire Company in Sylva for many years and retired from the maintenance department at Western Carolina University.
He received training in woodworking and left many special creations for family and friends to enjoy.
His faith grew and developed while attending church services at Valleytown Cemetery Chapel in Andrews, N.C. Ray will be remembered for his interest in hunting, fishing, camping and his sense of humor, as he talked with the many “radio buddies” he contacted all over the country. He will also be remembered for his faithfulness in frying potatoes and ramps at their annual ramp festival.
Ray left a testimony of his faith in God giving comfort and peace to all those who loved him.
Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. James Patterson officiated.
The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. at the chapel, prior to the service.
Committal services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at Ashe Cemetery, located on Ashe Loop off Fairview Road in Sylva, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:
The Ashe Cemetery Fund, c/o Dede Finley,
18 Sorghum Dr.
Waynesville, NC 28785
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Franklin Family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.