Wilbur Lee Franklin Sr., 69, of Rockwell, passed away on Wednesday March 2, 2016 at the W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. Mr. Franklin was born on July 17, 1946 in Farmville, Virginia to the late David Franklin and Hazel Hufstickler Franklin. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a Vietnam veteran and a lifetime member of Amvets. He was also on the rifle squad on the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard.

Wilbur was of the Baptist faith and worked as a mechanic at the Ford dealership in Hopewell, Va.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Harris Franklin of Rockwell; two sons, Wilbur Lee Franklin Jr., and Richard Allen Franklin; four daughters, Sheila Hilton, Bonnie Rucker, Loretta Bullard, and Rebecca Merritt; three sisters; Janice Isley, Cathy Mann, Geri Smith; five brothers; Larry Franklin, Ross Franklin, Roy Franklin, Frank Ronk, and Chuck Ronk; ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday March 11, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Salisbury National Cemetery on Statesville Blvd. Military Honors will be provided by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard and NC National Guard.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard (P.O.Box 923, Salisbury, NC 28145).

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is assisting the Franklin family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.