William D. Franklin II of Candler, N.C. went home to his maker on May 27, 2016 at Mission Hospital after a long battle of cancer.

He is predeceased in life by his father, William Dewey Franklin of Waynesville, N.C., his brother Stanley Earl Franklin (Dottie) of Sylva, N.C., and brother John George Gibson (Elana) of Charlotte, N.C.

He is survived by his mother, Velma Jean Messer of Maggie Valley, N.C.; his loving sister, Dorothy Lucinda Franklin Pressley (Ron) of Candler, N.C.; a sister Terry L. Gibson (TJs Café) of Mill Spring, N.C.; a sister Shandra Jean Gibson Scarfo of Delaware; a sister Leslie Elizabeth Wright Samuels (Vince) of Richlands, Wash.; two brothers, Gary William Gibson (Phyllis) (Coffee Shop) Sylva, N.C. and Steven Brent Gibson (Lydia) of Greenville, S.C.; and many aunts, nieces and uncles.

Billy was a long time resident of Western North Carolina although he was born and raised in southern New Jersey. He worked for many years at O. Henry’s bar in Asheville, N.C., and he was a CNA in Polk County for people such as Ms. Sanders. Bill loved to cook; he opened Isaac’s Café in Tryon as a silent partner. He lived in California and was a personal attendant for a major hotel.

He will be missed by all. A celebration of his life will be on his birthday, August 24, 2016. Please email spyderladymr2@aol.com for further information.

Submitted by Terry Gibson