December 29, 2023, 87, Goldsboro —

William Penman “Bill” Franklin, 87, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, in the home he built and where he raised his family. Born in Wilson County on May 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Roy Matheny and Sue Chapman Franklin.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Suzanne F. Godshall, and her husband, Ronnie.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Faye Strickland Franklin; daughter, Renee Wells McDonald; son, William Penman “Will” Franklin, Jr. and wife, Karen; grandchildren, Kylie Blackwell McDonald, Walker Penman McDonald, Dustin William Franklin, Caroline Nicole Franklin, and Bailey Grace Franklin; and a niece, Cathy Godshall.

Bill graduated from Charles L. Coon High School in Wilson. He attended North Carolina State University, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a concentration in Construction.

After graduation, Bill was employed by Jones Brothers Construction Company in Wilson. Bill spent most of his working life in Goldsboro with T.A. Loving Construction Company. He started out as a Field Engineer and retired as Executive Vice-President of the Building Division after 32 years of service with the company. He served on committees for the Associated General Contractors of America throughout his career.

Bill was a retired volunteer fireman with the Saulston Volunteer Fire Department. He was instrumental in building the original fire station as well as one addition.

Bill was a member of Saulston Community Church where he served on several committees and supervised the building and renovations of the church properties. He also served the Goldsboro District of the United Methodist Church as a board member of the Church Location and Building Committee. As a builder of buildings on this earth, he was always led by the Great Master Builder!

Bill was a life member of the Goldsboro Elks Lodge and a member of Walnut Creek Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf with friends on the links.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Saulston Community Church with Rev. Jeff Severt and Rev. Charles Moseley officiating. Interment will follow in the Pikeville Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday in the hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.