JOHN CLAY FRANKLIN, age 87, of Murfreesboro died Monday, June 2, 2008 surrounded by family and friends at Sunnington Assisted Living Facility which had been his home for the past four years. He was a native of Blanche, TN, although he had lived in Murfreesboro for the past 58 years, and the son of the late Ernest and Vergie McFerrin Franklin. Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Thursday at Southeast Baptist Church. Pastor Joe Vinson will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Kathy and Pat Ryan of Murfreesboro, Jane and Jim Sidwell of Sevierville, TN, grandchildren: Zachary and Hope Ryan, Katie Sidwell Calkins, and Matt Sidwell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years: Leecy Marie Smith Franklin in 2003, grandson: Jonathan Sidwell, stepmother: Elsie Franklin, 4 brothers and 1 sister. Mr. Franklin was a veteran of World War II serving in the U S Navy from 1938 " 1945 during which time he served on the LST 485 and later served in the Navy Reserve for 25 years where he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was employed at Sewart Air Force Base for 20 years and the Nashville Airport Authority in Smyrna for 18 years until his retirement in 1978. Mr. Franklin was a founding charter member of Southeast Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alive Hospice, 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 202, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, and Southeast Baptist Church, 708 Minerva Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151 www.woodfinchapel.com