Franklin Delano Kirkland, 79, of Walhalla, S.C., passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Franklin was born in Cherokee County to the late Winslow and Ora Lee Ledford Kirkland. He had moved to Walhalla, S.C., in 1967.
Franklin was a construction supervisor for Duke Energy and was a shady tree mechanic. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 713 in Stanley, N.C., and Friendship Baptist Church of the Suit community.
Franklin loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Rose; his son, Michael Kirkland; and sisters, Frances Ramsey and Pauline Anderson.
He is survived by a daughter, Paula Kirkland; sister, Lois Spooner; grandsons, Travis Kirkland and Joshua Kirkland; and great-grandchildren, Milah Rose Kirkland, Stella Mae Kirkland and Mollie Kate Kirkland.
A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, May 29, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy. The Rev. Jerry Morrow will officiate. Burial will be in Bear Paw Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the American Legion Post No. 96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, and the Marine Corp League, Marble. Pallbearers will be Travis Kirkland, Josh Kirkland, Luke Morrow, Kyle Stancil, Travis Simpson and Jonathan Stephens.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 29, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.