Clifford Ray Franklin

Clifford Ray Franklin, age 83, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2017 at his residence with his family at his side.  A native of Burke County, North Carolina, born October 21, 1933, he was the son of the late Gromer and Roxie Clark Franklin.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Fox Franklin, who he greatly missed; granddaughter, Hannah Greene; and two brothers, William Franklin and Lee Franklin. 

An avid antique collector and seller, Clifford enjoyed fishing, but most of all, spending time with his family, which he loved dearly.  He was known to say, “I could sell ice to an eskimo”.  Clifford was a member of the Civitan Club in Watauga County; and following 25 years of service, retired from the Foscoe Fire Department in Foscoe, North Carolina.

Mr. Franklin is survived by three children, Debbie Harmon of Sugar Grove, North Carolina and son-in-law, Gary Harmon, Becky Lambertson of Marion; and Melissa Peterson and her husband, Bill of Marion; four brothers, Harold Franklin, Jack Franklin, Omer Franklin and Bobby Franklin; and three sisters, Eula Harrison, Cheryl Carver and Ruby Swint.  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kevin Harmon and his wife, Kara, Andrea Mullett and her husband, Justin, Christina Isaacs and James Greene; and three great grandchildren, Kyle Isaacs, Leland Dowell and Joseph Dowell.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory in Marion.  A celebration of his life will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Pastor Richard Anderson officiating. 

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Franklin’s memory are asked to consider, ­­the Franklin Family, 31 Dogwood Street, Marion, North Carolina 28752.