William Howard Franklin

William Howard Franklin, 86, of Church Court, Glen Alpine, NC, died Sunday, May 21, 2006 at the V.A. Medical Center in Asheville, NC. Born July 20, 1919 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Obediah Delephate Franklin and Minnie Callie Pearson Franklin. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry Randolph Franklin; five brothers, Preston, Ralph, Iverson, Obie, and Eugene Franklin; and three sisters, Velsie Lee Franklin, Elizabeth Dale, and Dail Shuping Murphy. He attended Glen Alpine First United Methodist Church.

William was a veteran of WWII and was engaged in major battles in the South Pacific Theatre. He served five years in the US Army infantry and attained the rank of First Sergeant. Mr. Franklin was decorated with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Expert Rifleman, Good Conduct Medal and others. He was a member of the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the D.A.V.

William is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha McGalliard Franklin of the home, two daughters, Patrica Franklin Cooper and husband, Edward, of Pineville, KY and Janet G. Franklin of Morganton, NC; a sister, Mary Lou Egan of Connelly Springs, NC; two grandsons, Stoney Story and wife, Debra, of Glen Alpine and Judd Howard Story of Pompano Beach, FL; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Evan, and Landyn Story of Glen Alpine; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends T.B. Deese and Beth Henderson officiating. Burial follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery with military graveside rites to be conducted by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glen Alpine First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628 or to the charity of your choice.