E. THOMAS FRANKLIN
March 11, 1914-Nov. 10-2005.
Eugene Thomas Franklin, 91, died at his home on 610 E. Beech Street on Thursday.
He was born in Durham County on March 11, 1914, son of the late Eugene Seth and Alma Roberts Franklin.
Mr. Franklin graduated from Bahama High School and attended Duke University. He was owner of a Goodrich Tire Dealership and was sales manager for Durham Baking Company He purchased Made Rite Bakery in Goldsboro in 1945. Mr. Franklin was President and Chairman of the Board of Franklin Baking Company from 1954 until its merger with Flowers Industries in 1998. He was a member of the local Board of Directors of Branch Bank and Trust and became a member of the corporate board of Branch Corporation in 1975. Mr. Franklin also served on the board of East Coast Federal Savings and Loan. He was past president of the Bakers Association of the Carolinas and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro.
A graveside service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at Willow Dale Cemetery with Dr. James Eller officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Sandra Franklin, 1905 Evergreen Avenue.
Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mozelle Butler Franklin.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra M. Franklin, and sons, E. Thomas Franklin Jr. and wife, Jane, Jeffrey Butler Franklin and wife, Grace, and Timothy K. Franklin and wife, Cathy, all of Goldsboro; and his grandchildren, T.K. Franklin Jr., Andrew J. Franklin, Grace Martin Franklin and Jeffrey B. Franklin Jr.
Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530; or to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are with Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 11, 2005 1:46 PM