Willie James Franklin

Mr. Willie James Franklin was born October 29, 1953  in Laurens County, South Carolina to Mrs. Georgia Eva Byrd Franklin and the late Mr. Ray Luther Franklin.

He attended the public schools of Laurens County, South Carolina where he was a graduate of the Clinton High School Class of 1974 in Clinton, South Carolina.  At an early age, he joined the Duncan Creek Baptist Church in Laurens, South Carolina.

Willie was employed at Lydia Mills in Clinton, South Carolina with over thirty years of service.  He was later employed with W, R. Grace in Gray Court, South Carolina until his retirement.

He was an avid sportsman.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mr. Ernest Leroy Byrd.

On Friday, March 25, 2022, Mr. Willie James Franklin went from labor to reward as he entered into Eternal Rest at the age of sixty-eight.

Those left to celebrate his fond memories are his devoted wife of fifteen years, Mrs. Teresa Watts Franklin;  two sons:  James (Misty) Reeder of Easley, SC and Tobias Watts of the home; two daughters:  Ieasher Kelley of Greenville, SC and Ashley Watts of Simpsonville, SC; five grandchildren; one brother, Benjamin Franklin of Clinton, SC; two sisters; Virginia Briggs of Clinton, SC and Dorothy (Willie) Merrill, Jr.  of Gray, Court, SC; three brothers-in-law; Ulysses Watts of Laurens, SC, Clifford (Kindra) Watts of Duncan, SC, and Maurice Watts of Cross Hill, SC; his mother-in-law, Luella Watts of Cross Hill, SC; one uncle; four aunts; two dedicated special friends:  Walther Briggs and David Williams; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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