Obituary of Franklin Mobley Hamilton

Franklin Mobley Hamilton, known as Frank, of Panoramic Lane, Boone died on October 14, 2017 at the Cranberry House in Newland at the age of 78. Frank was born July 21, 1939 in Boone. He received his B.A. degree in physical education and minor in science from Appalachian State University. He enjoyed many jobs from teaching chemistry, working in the local kraut factory, serving as Watauga County Parks and Recreation pool manager and being a stay-at-home dad. Frank was a member at First Presbyterian Church in Boone where he served as a deacon and elder. Frank loved walking along the Greenway, on the ASU track, the sidewalks throughout town and inside the Boone Mall. He enjoyed tending a garden, caring for rose bushes and fruit trees, watching the birds, connecting with family by phone, letter or personal visit and having breakfast with friends at Boone Drug or McDonalds. Frank is survived by his wife, of 44 years, Diana Hamilton of Boone; daughters Renee Hamilton Marshall and husband Mike, and step-granddaughter, Nola Mckenzie of Murfreesboro, TN and Rev. April Hamilton Cranford and husband, Reed, of Fishersville, VA; and two granddaughters, River Grace and Haven Leigh. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Mish Hamilton, Jr. and Lorene Miller Hamilton Parker and brother, Harry Stephen Hamilton. A graveside service will be held for family and friends at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Jeff Smith and Rev. April Cranford. A reception at the church will directly follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church, 131 Big Valley Street, Boone, NC 28607. The family wishes to share gratitude for the visits from the church, the support received from the Cranberry House staff and residents and the compassionate care shared by the Medi Home Hospice nurses and staff. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hamilton family.