Larry Ray Franklin

Larry Ray Franklin, 49, of Bickleton, WA and former Sunnyside/Grandview resident passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Larry was born on August 28, 1967 in Sunnyside, WA the son of Evelyn Hill and Ernest Harold Franklin.   Larry received his education in Sunnyside and graduated with the Sunnyside High School Class of 1986.  Larry started his working career with Cliff Septic Tank in Sunnyside, while still in high school and worked for them until 1993 before moving to New Mexico for a short time.  On January 15, 1995 he married Lorna Aulston in Aztec, New Mexico.   Larry worked for various farmers in the Lower Valley including, Dean McWirk at Sheller Road Farms, Jason Robinson Trucking and for Bud Hamilton until January of 2017.  Larry loved the out of doors, fishing, hunting, trucking and most of all working on the family car “Old Blue” a 1964 GMC Pick -Up.  “Daddy was a hard working man; he made sure his family was taken care of.  He loved his family dearly, family barbeques, drinking cold ones and talking about the good old days.”

Larry is survived by his former wife, Lorna Franklin of Bickleton, WA.  Two children Doni Rae Franklin of Zillah, WA and Bobby Ray Franklin of Bickleton, WA. One grandson Brody Ray Murray and his four legged shadow Sam. He is also survived by his mother Evelyn Hill Franklin of Sunnyside, WA, sister Rosie Peters of Sunnyside, WA. Great Aunt Vivian Williams of Prosser, WA, Great Uncle John Bailey of Superior, Wisconsin. Uncles Donald Franklin (Sandra) of Payette, Idaho, Donald Hill (Shirley) of Yakima, WA, Bert Hill of Post Falls, Idaho and Wayne Franklin of Elyria, Ohio and Aunt Virginia Robert (Mike) of Payette, Idaho, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.     He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Father Ernest Harold Franklin, Sister Lynn Walker and half brother Ron Baker.

A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA.  Burial will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside. Those wishing to honor Larry’s memory may contribute to North Star Lodge c/o 808 North 39th Ave.  Yakima, WA  98902.   Those wishing to sign Larry’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements.  

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