1926
Dennis
2014
Dennis Franklin
May 21, 1926 — December 24, 2014
Dallas – Dennis Franklin, 88, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Marshall, NC, born May 21, 1926 to the late Shad and Muncie Cantrell Franklin
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Franklin, sisters Thelma Wallin and Zula Griffin
Dennis was a graduate of Western Carolina University and received his Masters' Degree from AT and T. He taught Business Education in Gaston County Schools from 1947 – 1987. He coached Boys Basketball and Baseball for many years, holding the record for being Gaston County's most winning coach. His winning record won him the honor of having the Dallas Gymnasium renamed the "Dennis Franklin Gym". He also worked 10 years with the Jr. Optimist Club in Gastonia. He played Semi-Pro Baseball player for 10 years for the Tri-County Semi-Pro League. Dennis taught Education and Drivers Ed from 1959-1985. He coached baseball for 12 years returning with a record of 133 wins and 30 loses. He took the Teener League to the World Series in Hersey Pennsylvania. He later was inducted into the Gaston Sports Hall of Fame in August 2005.
He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Dallas. He was a member of the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class and served on Church Council and Board of Trustees.
A special thank you for the care that was provided to Dennis by Gaston Hospice; and especially Cindy Mitchell and members of First United Methodist Church in Dallas.
He was a Dallas Legend and will be greatly missed by all he coached and mentored.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Rutledge Franklin; son, Dennis Shad Franklin and wife Robin Heavner Franklin of Lincolnton; wonderful grandchildren Hollyn Claire Franklin and Rylan Jon Franklin; sister-in-law Jo Franklin of West Palm Beach, FL
Funeral Service will be, Monday, December 29th at 11:00 am First United Methodist Church with Reverend Caroll A. Flack officiating.
Visitation will be 2:00 until 4:00 pm, Sunday at First United Methodist Church
Entombment will be at Gaston Memorial Park, Mausoleum of Peace
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 301 West Main Street, Dallas, NC 28034 and Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054
Pallbearers will be Hal White, Ernie Parker, Ronnie Cloninger, Kenny Howell, Jack Pasour and Kenneth Pasour
Honorary Pallbearers will be former ball players with special seating arrangements.
Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Rd Gastonia, 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.
He was born in Marshall, NC, born May 21, 1926 to the late Shad and Muncie Cantrell Franklin
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Franklin, sisters Thelma Wallin and Zula Griffin
Dennis was a graduate of Western Carolina University and received his Masters' Degree from AT and T. He taught Business Education in Gaston County Schools from 1947 – 1987. He coached Boys Basketball and Baseball for many years, holding the record for being Gaston County's most winning coach. His winning record won him the honor of having the Dallas Gymnasium renamed the "Dennis Franklin Gym". He also worked 10 years with the Jr. Optimist Club in Gastonia. He played Semi-Pro Baseball player for 10 years for the Tri-County Semi-Pro League. Dennis taught Education and Drivers Ed from 1959-1985. He coached baseball for 12 years returning with a record of 133 wins and 30 loses. He took the Teener League to the World Series in Hersey Pennsylvania. He later was inducted into the Gaston Sports Hall of Fame in August 2005.
He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Dallas. He was a member of the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class and served on Church Council and Board of Trustees.
A special thank you for the care that was provided to Dennis by Gaston Hospice; and especially Cindy Mitchell and members of First United Methodist Church in Dallas.
He was a Dallas Legend and will be greatly missed by all he coached and mentored.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Rutledge Franklin; son, Dennis Shad Franklin and wife Robin Heavner Franklin of Lincolnton; wonderful grandchildren Hollyn Claire Franklin and Rylan Jon Franklin; sister-in-law Jo Franklin of West Palm Beach, FL
Funeral Service will be, Monday, December 29th at 11:00 am First United Methodist Church with Reverend Caroll A. Flack officiating.
Visitation will be 2:00 until 4:00 pm, Sunday at First United Methodist Church
Entombment will be at Gaston Memorial Park, Mausoleum of Peace
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 301 West Main Street, Dallas, NC 28034 and Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054
Pallbearers will be Hal White, Ernie Parker, Ronnie Cloninger, Kenny Howell, Jack Pasour and Kenneth Pasour
Honorary Pallbearers will be former ball players with special seating arrangements.
Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Rd Gastonia, 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis Franklin, please visit our flower store.
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