Jink Franklin

Jink Franklin, 86, of Morganton passed from his earthly life to eternal life on Wednesday February 20, 2019 following a fall in October.

He was born December 26, 1932 in Morganton, NC to the late Doctor Moran Franklin and Annie Mae Pless Franklin. He was a long-time member of Hopewell Baptist Church. He was a star pitcher for the church softball league for many years. Baseball was a favorite pastime and he could be found many nights watching whatever game may be on television but he especially loved the Braves.

Jink was employed for many years in the golf course business as a Greens Superintendent at both Mimosa Hills and Quaker Meadows. He was not content to just grow golf course grass but enjoyed keeping quite a few yards throughout Morganton looking beautiful and green. He could always be counted on to share his knowledge of growing and maintaining one’s yard. Not many people could pass the house on the corner on the way to Forest Hill School and not notice the lush green grass and the beautiful flowers growing on the banks. Classes often would walk around the block just so the school children could see the flowers. He also loved to grow vegetables and was known to grow extra just to be able to share with friends and neighbors

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Long Franklin; three brothers, Winfred Franklin and his wife, Lonnie, Ben Franklin and his wife, Ruby, Russell Franklin and his wife, Adele; and sister, Mary Coffey and her husband, Arnold. He was also preceded in death by Margaret and James Williams or as they were lovingly known as Mimi and Dad-o.

Jink is survived by two daughters, Julie Ackley of Sanford, FL and Becky Kincaid and her husband, Bradley, of Morganton; grandchildren, Spencer Ackley and his wife, Jessie, of Sanford, FL and Landon Kincaid of Morganton; great-grandchildren Mason and Magnolia Ackley; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Hopewell Baptist Church.  The memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. in the church with Dr. Danny Emory officiating.

Memorials may be made to the cemetery fund of Hopewell Baptist Church, 1112 Hopewell Rd, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.