CERRO GORDO, NC—Ernest Lewis Franklin, 85, of 487 Gowans-Vann Road, Cerro Gordo, NC, died Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Autumn Care of Raeford,

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired veteran of the U.S. Army.

The funeral will be 1:00 PM Saturday, December 28, at Mount Tabor Baptist Church, 824 Cherry Grove Road, Cerro Gordo, NC, by Pastor Thomas Southerland.  Burial will be in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX.

Viewing will be at the church Saturday 30 minutes prior to the service.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret Gowans Franklin; children, Jayliene Franklin of the home; Rhonda Franklin, Anthony Franklin, Jethro Franklin, Shawn Franklin, and Ruby James; brother, Herbert Franklin; and sister, Lynn Franklin.

A service of Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville