John Henry Franklin, 67, of Mill Spring, N.C. passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 at his home.

Born in Rutherford County, N.C., he was the son of the late Luther “Red” Franklin and Annie May McLean Franklin.  He worked for Clary Hood Construction for 25 years.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Parker.

Surviving is his wife of forty-five years, Sarah Parker Franklin; one son, John Wayne Franklin; four daughters, Mitzi Holt  (Bobby) of Columbus, N.C., Tina Pettyjohn (Steve) of Mill Spring, N.C., Angie Moss of Landrum, S.C. and Sarah Franklin (Nathan) of Tryon, N.C.; one brother, David Franklin of Bryson City, N.C.; one sister, Betty Stokely of Inman, S.C.

Also surviving are eleven grandchildren; Danielle Lawter, Brandon Holt, Tiffany Walker, Jessica Holt; Michelle Jackson, John Belue; Courtney Moss; Natalie Franklin, Noah Cross; Mark Roberts and April Roberts as well as eleven great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jimmy Moss who died in 2014.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C. with Rev. Jerry Jackson officiating.

Burial will be in Mill Spring First Baptist Church Cemetery, Mill Spring, N.C.

The family will receive friends prior to the service Saturday from 1-1:45 p.m. in the McFarland funeral chapel.

At other times, the family will be at the home.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C.