Grady Braxter Franklin

Grady Baxter Franklin, 84, of Highway 64 West and formerly of Flat Rock, Ala., died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at his home after an illness of one month. Mr. Franklin was born Feb. 22, 1921, in Swain County to Elisha "Yank" Franklin and Ollie Grooms Franklin. He was a self-employed mechanic and was known to his friends as "Shady Grady." He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his brothers, James and Hardy Franklin. Surviving are two sons, Carthell Franklin of Stevenson, Ala., and Andy Franklin of Grant, Ala.; seven daughters, Carolyn Callahan and Jean Wilson, both of Lexington, Joann Jones and her husband, Lawrence, of Old Fort, Brenda Nunley and her husband, Frankie, and Annette Cameron and her husband, Mike, all of Flat Rock, Ala., Glenda Franklin of Stevenson, Ala., and Darlene Furgerson and her husband, Justin, of Scottsborough, Ala.; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Rosalie Morris of Yadkinville. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the VA National Cemetery in Salisbury by the Revs. Danny Shoaf and Doug McGee. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, and other times at the home.