Paul Eugene Franklin

Paul Eugene Franklin, 75, of Ravenel, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. His funeral service will be held Monday, September 16, 2024 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel at 2:00 pm, and the family will receive friends beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow in the First Baptist Church of Ravenel Churchyard.

Paul was born July 17, 1949 in Pensacola, Florida, son of the late Jack Ross Franklin and Fredia Christianson. 

As tears run down my face and my heart is broken, to write my Dad's obituary is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. What can I say about my Dad? He loved to deer hunt he was a member of a couple of hunting clubs through his years. He loved baseball, especially the Atlanta Brave. He was a volunteer firefighter with his brother-in-law, Chuck Freymuth, when he was fire chief in Ravenel. He worked at Deaton Shell in North Bridge as a mechanic. In 1968 he started his military career, he joined the Army. Then he retired Master Sergeant from the National Guard, where he served 22 years. "We thank you and solute you for your Service."

He started working at Westvaco as he followed his father's footsteps. Thank you Chuck Cobb for many rides back and forth to work. His nickname there was "Sarg". He retired as a machine tender in the #2 machine after 41 years. The organizations he belonged to was Sumter Guards of Charleston, Marion Marauder Society, and the Washington Light Infantry. He absolutely loved these organizations, and all the men that he met through the years. He truly enjoyed everything he did with them. 

He was very knowledgeable with not only South Carolina history, but history in general. Every year he loved doing the Wreaths Across America in Beaufort; he was very passionate about that. My Dad never met a stranger, he would talk to them like he knew them for years. Everyday he would go to Waffle House and get his coffee in his green mug that he toted around everywhere he went. For his Sunday eating buddy, Larry Fawnsworth, he enjoyed every moment with you and all the stories. He loved life, he will be truly missed by many, I know we will. Love you Dad!

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Franklin Simerly (Ricky); and her mother, Annette Newton Franklin; her sisters, Gloria Sires, Carolyn Freymuth, (Jenny) and Janette Crosby; his brother, Jack Lee Franklin (Toni); his sister, Pam Franklin; uncle, Neil Christianson (Norma); nieces and nephews, Michael, Brian (Jen), Jackie (Tony), Emily (Mac), Tessa (Jeong Taek); grandsons, Richard Paul Simerly (Hayley), and Ryan Brandon Simerly (Madison); and one adorable great-grandson, Riley Ellis Simerly.

Proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Franklin Addison; niece, Lynn Nettles; and nephew, Thaddeus Sires, Jr.

Memorial donations can be made in Paul's memory to Wreaths Across America for Beaufort, (c/o Cecil Evans, 14 Vincent Drive Mt.Pleasant South Carolina 29464.)