Franklin Gilliard

Franklin Gilliard, 79, of Kannapolis, NC passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at his home in Kannapolis, surrounded by his loving family.

Franklin was born May 3, 1945 in Georgetown, South Carolina to the late James Joseph Gilliard Sr. and the late Annie Mae Nesbitt Gilliard.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 40 years, Deborah Jean Gilliard of Kannapolis, NC; 9 children, 1 son-in-law, 4 daughter-in-laws, over 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 2 siblings, 4 sister-in-laws, 2 brother-in-laws, and a host of family, friends and coworkers who shared in his life of love.

"Honey, you have really shown us all how to love. You have left us with a legacy for generations to come; that the members of our family can model. Thank you for almost 40 years of sharing your life of love with me. I am blessed to have experienced your love doubly blessed to have witnessed how you've enriched so many lives through your ministries of singing, praying, and preaching. You are truly a wonderful husband and Man Of God. I will always, always, always love you." Deborah.

The celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 2pm at New Life Church of Jesus Christ, 4160 Zion Church Rd Concord, NC 28025, officiated by Pastor Lawson Whitson.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations would be greatly appreciated and rendered to the surviving spouse.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Gilliard family.