Carl Franklin

Carl Melvin Franklin age 84 went to see his savior, Jesus, Thursday, November 30, 2023. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, after suffering from declining health. He was a resident of Maryville, TN and a member of First Apostolic Church of Maryville. He was born May 18, 1939, in Sondheimer, Louisiana.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Gaston Franklin, brothers Doug Richey (wife Grace), Dearl Richey (wife Nita), Mack Franklin, and Paul Franklin; sister Alice Montfort (husband Bob), brothers in law T.L. Patterson and Buddy Livingston.

Survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Gloria Franklin; brother: Russell Franklin (wife Clara), sisters in law, Sharon Franklin, Ruby Franklin, Doris Patterson, brothers in law, James Livingston and Mack Livingston, three children: Dwayne Franklin (wife Pamela), Kaye Hannah (husband Wally), Jeanna Penton (husband Ben); ten grandchildren: Miles Holley, Landon Franklin (wife Morgan), Aaron Penton (wife Celia), Cameron Franklin, Austin Penton (wife Courtney), McKenzie Barr (husband Nicholas), Andrew Hannah (wife Davanah), Katelyn Hannah, Bentley Hannah, and Brantley Hannah; seven great grandchildren: Hayes Franklin, Hendrix Franklin, Millie Holley, Mary Holley, Baylor Penton, Burklee Penton, Barrett Penton, Lexi Penton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

His bigger-than-life personality, generous spirit and love for children and animals touched many lives. He never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell. He loved Bluegrass music and could play any instrument with strings. He was a creative man of many talents and abilities.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jonny Hines, John Hernandez, Arthur Parrot, Stan Jeter, Jerry Poole, Jackie Wilburn, and J.W. Massey. Pallbearers: Miles Holley, Landon Franklin, Aaron Penton, Austin Penton, Andrew Hannah, and Jeremy Poole. Family will receive friends on Monday, December 04, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the service following at 7:00 p.m. at First Apostolic Church of Maryville, located at 1331 William Blount Drive, Maryville, TN 37801.  Family and friends will assemble for the interment at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 05, 2023 at Grandview Cemetery, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN, 37803. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com