Julian Kenneth Franklin, age 87, entered rest Monday, February 14, 2022. Julian was born January 5, 1935, in Gainesville to the late Clyde Richard and Dodie Tatum Franklin and was a graduate of Gainesville High School. He attended Mercer University where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Julian graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation, he received a U.S. Army Reserve Commission, serving as Post Quartermaster on active duty, earning the Army Commendation Medal. He also served in Army Intelligence in the reserve, obtaining the rank of Captain.
His business career started at WDUN announcing high school and college sporting events. He later began his 38-year career as a manager with Belk Department Stores, managing stores in Cornelia, Decatur, Tucker, and Lawrenceville before retiring as Regional Store Manager in Athens.
Julian was a community servant, active in various committees, Boards and organizations in both the Athens and Highlands communities including Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, The Bascom, Macon County Program for Progress, Hospital Authority of Clarke County, Georgia, Athens Regional Health System, Athens Regional Medical Center, SunTrust Bank of Northeast Georgia, Athens Symphony Orchestra, Samaritan Counseling Center, and Rotary Clubs. He also served as President of the Northeast Georgia Council of Boy Scouts of America earning the Silver Beaver Award.
Julian was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Wheeler and brother Joe Franklin. Left to cherish his memory are loving wife, Marguerite Maynard Franklin, daughter Pamela (Chuck) Carver; son Rick (Jennifer) Franklin; grandchildren Monica, Laura, Sam, Max, and Sarah and great-granddaughter Margo; sister JoAnn Dollar and a host of other relatives and friends.
Private graveside services for the family will be held Wednesday at Alta Vista Cemetery with Rev. Becky Matheny officiating. A public celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Highlands Plateau Greenway P.O. Box 2608 Highlands, NC 28741. www.highlandsgreenway.com or the Northeast Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America, 148 Boy Scout Trail, Pendergrass, GA 30567. www.donations.scouting.org
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Julian Kenneth Franklin.
