Carroll Lee Franklin

Carroll Lee Franklin, 76, lifetime resident of Drexel passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, June 28, 2018.  Born on November 23, 1941 in Burke County, he was the son of the late Hubert Lee Franklin and Della Mae Marsh Franklin.  He was a member of Zion Memorial United Methodist Church.

Carroll was a longtime civic leader, high school athletic official, and friend to many; he never met a stranger.  He lived life to the fullest, working tirelessly to provided for his family and serve his community.  He often said it was the late Harry L. Hallyburton, former principal of Drexel High School, who had a tremendous impact on his life and who inspired him toward community service.

Carrol received his bachelor’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1964.  He taught in the Burke County Public Schools for many years, serving at Drexel High School, Freedom High School, East Burke High School, and Hildebran Junior High School.  He was later director of the NC Vocational Rehab Facility and also served in the Continuing Education Division of Western Piedmont Community College for over 50 years.

Carroll has been active with a host of community organizations over the years, including the Drexel Community Fair, R.O. Huffman Center, and numerous others.  He was currently serving as alderman of his beloved town of Drexel.  He was named Official of the Year in 1985 and Drexel Citizen of the Year in 1999.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Peggy Hensley Franklin of the home; son, Scott (Tracy) Franklin of North Myrtle Beach, SC and Todd (Tammy) Franklin of Drexel; daughter, Joi Franklin Kirby and boyfriend, Eric “Beanie” Hildebran; grandchildren, Lauren (Tim) Franklin; his precious boys, Breven and Brock Kirby; sister, Frances Mull; and his canine companion, Bogey “Bogator.”

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 1, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.