Mr. Billy Ray Franklin, age 73, of Epworth, GA, passed away August 19, 2015. Born in Concord, NC, he was the son of the late Jim and Ethel Levetia Stewart Franklin. He lettered in Track and Field for the University of Georgia. He later Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He taught special education for 20 years for the Fannin County School System. Mr. Franklin served his country proudly during Vietnam in the United States Army. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Floyd, Jimmy and Robert Franklin; one sister, Louvenia VanNess.Survivors include, two sisters, Kathryn Waters of Fayetteville, GA and Shelby Dotson of Blue Ridge, GA; a large number of cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and several great great nieces and nephews, and a large number of other relatives and friends.Funeral services were conducted on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. from the Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge with Rev. Claude Mathis officiating. Music was provided by Carol Thomas. Interment followed in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Army at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. .