Thomas Eugene Franklin

Published 11:09 am Friday, April 18, 2025

Thomas Eugene “Tom” Franklin, 79, of Elizabethton, went to be with his Lord Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Millard and Celestine Shell Franklin.

Tom was a graduate of Elizabethton High School. He served 20 years in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam era. He retired after 36 ½ years as superintendent at General Shale. Tom was a member of Valley Forge Christian Church, where he was an elder and treasurer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Harmon Franklin.

Survivors include his children: Teresa Ann Lawson and Timothy Eugene Franklin; a grandson, Nathanyal Lawson and wife, Sarah; one great-grandson, Noland W. Lawson; a brother, Randy Lee Franklin and wife, Debbie; and several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate the life of Tom Franklin will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Memorial Funeral Chapel with Mr. David Sliebenaler, minister, officiating. Interment will follow in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Music will be provided by Joel Crisp. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be his church family and his breakfast buddies. Military honors will be provided.

The family will receive friends from noon until the service hour at 2 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Franklin family.