James Franklin

Clyde, James Hugh Franklin, age 51, of 385 Woodlawn Circle, died on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. A native of Haywood County, he was the son of Lucy Putnam Franklin and the late Homer Franklin. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a son, James Hugh Franklin, Jr. He owned and operated J.H.F. Contracting, Inc. for 31 years. He was a member of the True Gospel Independent Baptist Church. He was also a member of the NC Homebuilders Association and Independent Contractors Association. He served as an auxiliary member of the VFW Post 5202 and American Legion Post 47 and was also a charter member of the Smokey Mountain Antique Tractor Club. He loved his family, children, and grandchildren. He was an avid collector of antiques and had a big heart for others. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon Henson Franklin; three sons, Homer W. Franklin and wife, Teresa, of Waynesville, Tim Rigdon and wife, Barbara, of Providence, KY and Ricky Rigdon and wife, Jennifer, of Waynesville; one sister, Jane Hannah and husband, Johnny, of Canton; four brothers, Jerry Franklin and wife, Jeanette, of Waynesville, Stewart Franklin and wife, Brenda, of Weaverville, Don Putnam of Everett, WA, and Raymond Moody, of Lenoir, NC; seven grandchildren, Tyra and Brooks Franklin, Colton, Zachary, and Coy Rigdon, and Dustin and Brandon Ashley; as well as numerous nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2008 in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Rigdon and Pastor Dewayne Rathbone officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be employees of J.H.F. Contracting, Inc. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

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