Obie “O.C.” Franklin
April 16, 2018
Date of Service: April 21, 2018
Interment Location: Crown Section
Mr. Obie “O.C.” Franklin Jr., age 76, of the Pinecrest Community of Carter County, TN passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 16, 2018 at the James H. Quillen V.A. Hospital. A native of Connelly Springs, NC he was the son of the late Obie Carlise Franklin Sr. and Maebell Franklin. Mr. Franklin retired as a truck driver with Mason Dixon Tank Lines and Youngblood Truck Lines. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and he was a member of the V.F.W. Post #2108 of Johnson City. He was a loving husband and father who lived his life to the fullest and he was a friend to everybody. He was of the Methodist faith. “O.C.” loved racing, camping and going to the lake spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Doyle and a brother, Bruce Franklin. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of forty years, Joyce Franklin, of the home; a daughter, Lisa Webber, Connelly Springs, NC; two step-sons, Larry Simerly and wife Rebecca, Milligan College, TN and Jason Simerly, Johnson City, TN; a step-daughter, Leighta Laitinen and husband Andy, Johnson City, TN; four grandchildren, Jordan Simerly, Niklas Laitinen, Greyson Simerly and Kaylyn Simerly; a brother, Joe B. Franklin and wife Mary, Connelly Springs, NC; a sister, Sue Lowman and husband W. H., Connelly Springs, NC and a special nephew, Dennis Lowman, Shelby, NC. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services.
A graveside service to honor the life of Mr. Obie “O.C.” Franklin Jr. will be conducted immediately following the visitation on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Mr. James H. Pritchard officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Charles Locke. Active pallbearers will be Chuck Cabe, Greg Silcox, Charlie Smith, Shawn Webb, Larry Simerly and Jason Simerly. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Lowman. H. Lowman, Keith Doyle, Larry Doyle, Junior Lail, Michael Lowman and Wayne Hill. Military honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the V.A. Hospital especially the E.R. and I.C.U. Units, I.C.U. nurses Rachel, Amanda, Misty and Rhonda, Dr. Reddy, Dr. Deshazer and Dr. Nekuri for their loving care to Mr. Franklin.
