Obituary For William Joseph “Joey” Franklin Of Hickory

HICKORY, NC (April 4, 2018)…William Joseph “Joey” Franklin, 69, of Hickory, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2018 at his residence.

Joey was born April 19, 1948 in Catawba County to the late Boyd Joseph Franklin and Mary Sue Reed Franklin.

Joey was a member of West Hickory Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Navy. He was a cabinet maker by trade and was employed with the Catawba County Schools until his retirement after 21 years of service.  Many homes in Hickory and Granite Falls proudly exhibit his workmanship.

As a master craftsman of wood, Joey was very creative in his woodworking and made all kinds of furniture and gifts in his workshop for friends and family.  One highlight of his life was the opportunity to portray Santa Claus during the Christmas season.  He enjoyed being Santa for the Claremont parade, Shells Barbeque, Breakfast with Santa at Rock Barn and Lake Hickory Country Clubs. Another highlight was grilling for West Hickory Baptist Youth, SSHS ROTC and his family.  His favorite things included: camping, NASCAR, fishing, riding his motorcycle and gardening. His strength and deep faith made him the beloved patriarch of his family and he was adored by all of them.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rita Franklin of the home, his daughter, Shannon Cansler and husband Terence of Hickory, his son, Matthew Franklin and wife Heather of Statesville, his brother, Johnny Franklin and wife Chelly of Gastonia, his four sisters; Beverly Curtis and husband Marty of Granite Falls, Jeanette Tarabcik and husband George of St. Petersburg, FL, Marie Huffman and husband Mel of Hickory, and Lee Jackson and husband Mark of Granite Falls, his three granddaughters; Samantha Cansler Pierce and husband Josh, and Bailey Cansler all of Hickory, and Emma Franklin of Statesville, his grandson, Kalib Franklin of Statesville, and a large number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at West Hickory Baptist Church with the Rev. Scott Frady officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 — 11:30 AM prior to the service.

Memorials may be made in his honor to West Hickory Baptist Church, 40 12th St. N.W., Hickory, NC 28601.

On-line condolences may be sent to www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in Hickory is serving the family of Mr. Franklin.