Clyde R. Franklin

Clyde R Franklin, Jr, passed away on April 15, 2019 at home in Johnson City, TN after a long illness. Clyde is survived by his partner in life, Sharlene C Franklin of the home; son, David R Franklin of Candler, NC; nephew Lance Ponton and wife Caroline; great nephews Wesley Ponton and wife, Jessica, Jared Ponton and great great nephew Asher all of Canton, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents - Doctors Clyde R Franklin and Winifred A Franklin of New York, NY; his sister Elizabeth F Ponton, of Candler, NC and nephew Franklin Ponton of Asheville, NC. Clyde was originally from Somers, NY, most recent, Asheville, NC and the later years in Johnson City, TN. Clyde was a decedent of Ben Franklin on his father's side of the family, and Mayflower descendent on his mother's side. Clyde graduated from Sommers High School in Somers, NY, went to college at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and Tusculum University in Greenville, TN. Clyde is well known in the Bluegrass scene. He was the first owner of The Bluegrass Music Store in Asheville, NC. Clyde was proud of carrying on the tradition of the Bluegrass Gospel Jam and traditional Bluegrass Jam held every Tuesday and Friday night in Asheville. In addition to the Asheville Bluegrass scene, Clyde was well known throughout Bluegrass music all across the US, especially in the New England area. Clyde taught Bluegrass banjo and guitar, country guitar and classical guitar at the Newton Music Conservatory in the Boston area. In addition, he played Bluegrass music with several bluegrass bands in the New England area including clubs in Harvard Square. His proudest achievement was sharing his knowledge of Bluegrass and continuing the legacy of Bluegrass with all generations. Clyde's artistic talents went beyond music, he was superb landscape photographer, songwriter and Limerick writer. His love of words and his vocabulary was legendary, anyone who was around Clyde for any length of time increased their vocabulary. A Celebration of Clyde's life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019. The Celebration will be at Grove Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Visitation will be at 2:00 PM, Service at 3:00 PM and immediately after the service a Bluegrass jam will be held until 8:00 PM. All are welcomed and encouraged to bring your instruments to honor Clyde. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) will be serving the Franklin family.