https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/lee-ernest-franklin Lee Ernest Franklin was born January 7, 1952 to the late Queen Franklin Monroe, in Manning, South Carolina. He was raised by the late William (Lillie) Francis. Lee was educated in the public schools of Clarendon County and graduated from Manning Training School. After graduation, Lee served his country with pride and distinction in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. Upon his completion of military service, he enrolled at Central Carolina, where he studied Criminal Justice and received a certificate for Auto Mechanic. At an early age, Lee joined the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Alcolu, South Carolina. He attended various churches throughout the years. Certainly, to know Lee was to love him. He loved to joke and make people laugh. Lee enjoyed spending his spare time fishing and hunting as well as spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Pine Top Deer Hunting Club for many years. In addition to his mother and the parents that raised him, Lee was preceded in death by two sons, Tyrone Wells and Jeffery Jones: brother, David Franklin and sister, Veronica Witherspoon. Lee departed this life on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, in Sumter, South Carolina. Lee leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Brenda J. Franklin; two daughters, Sharon (Hassan Harris) Billie and Tonia Billie; two sons, Rodney (Latonya Thompson) Dingle and Kenneth Frierson; sixteen grandchildren, Cedrickus Billie, Tyesha Jackson, Michael (Malik) Smith, Semeka Billie, Allyssa Dingle, Amiahja Dingle, Rodney Evins, Shanel Evins, Timothy Tindall, Dontae Billie, Styles Harris, A'lshah Jones, Joshua Jones, Patrice Abraham, Kenyatta Shields and Kimora Richburg; twelve great grandchildren; five sisters, Cassie (Reverend Henry) Blackwell, Deloris (Roosevelt) Wilson, Annie Ruth (Leroy) Miller, Linda (Thomas) Henry and Deborah (Albert E.) Van Slyke, IV; one brother, Anthony Franklin and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. The family is receiving friends daily at 729 Miller Road Sumter, SC.