HAMLET — Mr. Franklin D. Lunsford, 87, of Hamlet passed away Wednesday morning May 5, 2021 at Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehab, Pinehurst.
He was born in Evarts, Kentucky, to the late Richard Lunsford and Grace Ledford Lunsford.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Cora M. Lunsford. In addition to the love of his life, he was also preceded by his son, Andrew Stapleton; brothers Woodrow, Howard, William, Marcus, and Harold Lunsford. Three sisters also preceded him — Marie Whittie, Opal Martin and Ruby Lunsford.
Surviving Mr. Lunsford to continue his great legacy are his children, Wanda Edgerton, James (Rhonda) Stapleton, Bessie (William) Wood, Anne Lunsford, and Debbie (Richard) Barton. His grandchildren include Kelly (Patrick) Burkeen, Amanda Walden, Crystal Seigneurie, Carley (Mikey) Helms, Natalie (Taylor) Goforth, Andrew (Haley) Stapleton, Joseph (Cynthia) Wood, Dr. Jessica (Travis) Ison, Richard (Tabitha) Barton, David Barton, and Leslie (Jon) Ivey. His great-grandchildren include Cameron Burkeen, Corey Burkeen, Reagan Burkeen, Lauren Walden, Noah Walden, Claire Walden, Rachael Seigneurie, Elijah Seigneurie, Abraham Seigneurie, Rhyan Helms, Callan Helms, Owen Helms, Elena Goforth, Melody Goforth, Paige Wood, Lucas Ivey, and the soon-arriving Isabella Ison. His great-great grandchildren include Jordan Walden, Brayden Walden, and Aaliyah Walden; siblings, Walter Lunsford and Lucretia Lankford.
Mr. Lunsford was famous among his family and friends for his homemade peanut butter fudge and banana pudding. He constantly received requests for his cooking, and he enjoyed every minute preparing food for those he loved. You may have entered his home a stranger, but it was guaranteed you were leaving as a friend.
Mr. Lunsford served his country in the U.S. Army, having been stationed in South Korea. He retired from the Southfield Public School System in Michigan and moved to North Carolina where he lived out the rest of his days.
For a time he lived in Corbin, Kentucky where Mr. Lunsford served as the driver for the Church of God bus ministry. Every Sunday and Wednesday service he would drive all over Knox and Laurel counties picking up his church family. He especially loved the annual camp meeting services when he would drive a bus full of church members to Lexington, Kentucky. Never failed that old bus would break down, but Mr. Lunsford, being an excellent shade-tree mechanic, had it running again every time.
He loved his family and enjoyed doting on his grandchildren. Most of them had the good fortune of having their grandpa watch over them as their parents worked. Close relationships were nurtured during those special times. Mr. Lunsford had a unique ability to get the fussiest babies calmed down and fast asleep. Without doubt, his memory will forever be cherished.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr. Lunsford will be conducted Monday, May 10, 2021 at 3 p.m. at King’s Gate Church with Pastor Eddie McLean, someone he loved so much, officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to King’s Gate Church, 161 Sierra Ave., Hamlet, NC, 28345.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Lunsford family.
