Don was born in Valdese, NC to the late Lois Van Horn Franklin and Arthur “Sharpe” Franklin. He grew up working for his father’s home building business and later attended NC State University. He was a proud member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and majored in chemical engineering. Although Don began his career working for Texize, he soon realized he wanted to return to his home building roots. He founded Franklin Enterprises in the early 1970’s and was one of the developers of Holly Tree in Simpsonville. Over the next 30 years, Don would build hundreds of homes around Greenville in the neighborhoods of Holly Tree, Cliffs at Glassy, Sugar Creek, Linkside, Pebble Creek, and Thornblade.
Don loved sports and played everything from high school football and basketball to golf and tennis later in life. He also followed his beloved NC State Wolfpack religiously. We will miss Don’s big personality, his charming smile and funny, if sometimes meandering, stories.
Don is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sharon Franklin, his daughters, Anna Franklin and Reed Franklin Richardson (Mark) and his stepson, Patrick Brown. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kate Richardson and Mac Richardson.
A Funeral service will be held at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive, 311 Century Drive Greenville, SC on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2:00pm, with a Celebration of Life following from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Hotel Hartness, 120 Halston Ave, Greenville, SC.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Franklin family.
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