Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:04 am

Grady Franklin Sr. passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. He was 101 years young.

He was the son of Perry and Eve Franklin of Duncan's Creek, NC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Henry Franklin, Ruth Brooks, Calvin Franklin, Ruby Calton, and Tommy Franklin.

He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Helen Sain Franklin; children, Grady Franklin Jr., Christine Franklin and husband Dale Green and Mark Franklin and wife Cathy Franklin; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren.

He was a World War II veteran honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of sergeant. He received training in agriculture from 1947 to 1949 as part of the GI Bill. He was foremost a farmer at heart. With his wife, he founded and owned Grady Franklin Company, a seed, and fertilizer business. They later established G&H Farms for raising beef cattle. He continued to farm and to provide farm supplies and spread fertilizer and lime for his customers into his 90s.

He was cattleman of the year for Rutherford County, received the Woodman of the World Conservation Award twice, and was a Lifetime Honorary Chapter Farmer of the Chase High FFA. The Rutherford County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April 29, 2021, Grady Franklin Day in honor of his 100th Birthday.

A funeral was held Feb. 1 at First Presbyterian Church, Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 181, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com