James Franklin Presley

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of Mr. James Franklin Presley of Stanley, North Carolina, formerly of White County. Mr. Presley passed away April 13, 201.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy Young Presley; son, James Michael Presley and wife Penny; daughter, Michelle Presley Stalder and husband Andy. He adored his two grandchildren, Rachel Elizabeth Presley and James Andrew Presley. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Jesse and Ella Davidson Presley as well as three brothers and five sisters.

Franklin was born on May 5, 1929 at his family farm in Cleveland. A graduate of White County High School, he worked in various occupations including auto sales before securing a job in the machine shop of Talon, Inc.. He worked his way up through the ranks of Talon, accepting a transfer for a managerial role in Stanley, North Carolina where he relocated with his family in 1967. He continued to assume positions of increasing responsibility until his retirement in 1992 after 40 years of dedicated employment.

He was a longtime, faithful member of First Baptist Church in Stanley, NC, serving as Chairman of Deacons for a number of years. He served as Coordinator for North Carolina Baptist Men's Relief. Franklin was an avid gardner, fisherman and golfer. He was known for lush tomato plants he grew and for sharing the bounty with friends and neighbors. HIs happiest moments, though came when he was spending time with his family. He cherished the time he had with his wife and was actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Graveside services are sceduled for 1:00pm, Saturday, April 20, 2013 from Gateway Memory Park with Rev. Garry Hefner officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Together We Build Fund, First Baptist Church, 409 Old Mount Holly Rd., Stanley, NC. 28164

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland (706)865-1500 in charge of arrangements