Raymond G. Franklin

Raymond G. “Ray” Franklin, age 69, of Athens, TN, peacefully entered into his heavenly home on Monday, June 17, 2024.

He was a member of East Athens Baptist Church and also a member and a Past Master (1987) of Unaka Lodge #651 F & A.M.. Ray was a former Monroe County EMS Employee and retired from Johnson Controls/Adient Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Wilbern G. (Bill) and Sally Lee Terry Franklin; Sister: Debra Lee Franklin Pulliam; grandparents: Manley Loren and Gertrude Jean Terry, Audrey Wilbern and Ada Rauhuff Franklin; several aunts and uncles.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 21 years: Lisa Franklin; daughters and son-in-laws: Melanie (Daren) Kerr, Melissa (Yosuke) Takada; bonus daughter: Ashley Valencia, all of Athens, TN; grandchildren: Jada and Derek Kerr and Erika Takada, all of Athens, TN; brothers and sister-in-laws:  Ronnie (Kim) Franklin, Jerry (Gail) Franklin, Scott (Micki) Franklin, all of Decatur, TN, and Bobby (Jill) Franklin of Coker Creek, TN; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Ray was blessed with many friends throughout his lifetime. Two very special friends, Joe Gregory and Gary Nelson, were by his side daily during his last days.

A masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in the Chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with a funeral service to follow with the Rev. Vernon Webb officiating.

Interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024 in the Pisgah Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m., prior to the service on Thursday.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Franklin Family.