Lee Edward Franklin

Lee Edward Franklin, age 91, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, November 17, 2016. He is survived by his present wife, Betty G. Franklin, four children, Kristie (Richard) Bradley of Gardendale, Rex (Mary) Franklin of Moody, Kay (Stacy) Matin of Orlando, Florida and Jody (Carol) Franklin of Moody. L.E. also leaves nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

L.E. was born in Morris, Alabama on January 17, 1925. He was the eighth and the youngest child of Julia and Isom Franklin. His family moved to Birmingham and L.E. attended Inglenook Rocket School. He attended Philips High School in Birmingham, but left to join the Navy during World War II, later graduating from Phillips. L.E. spent his entire active duty time in the South Pacific aboard the heavy cruiser, USS New Orleans. His ship was torpedoed, but was able to return to active duty four months later. Returning to Birmingham, L.E. married Martha E. Jones. They were happily married for 54 years. On being discharged from the Navy, he served for two years in the U.S. Army Reserve, and two years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. L.E. retired as a Lieutenant with the Birmingham Fire Department in 1991 and after 44 years of service. Over a 12 year period, he served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Birmingham Firefighters Association, Local 117. He was named Alabama Firefighter of the Year in 1968. He was a member of Bendale, Dolcito, and Gardendale Masonic Lodge.

L.E. was a member of Inglenook United Methodist Church, later Boyles Methodist Church and currently Gardendale, Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. He and Betty are members of the Open Door Sunday School Class. He and Betty loved to attend their church and to listen to Sacred Harp Music.

Visitation will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Saturday, November 19th beginning at 10:00 AM with Chapel Services beginning at 11:00AM. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Birmingham.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, AL.