Joseph Edward Franzle, Jr.

Mr. Joseph E. Franzle, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Sharon Towers on Monday, March 20, 2017. He was born May 25, 1924 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late Joseph Edward Franzle and Lula Hutchinson Franzle. At a young age Mr. Franzle’s family moved to Middlesboro, Kentucky where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Middlesboro High School in 1942. After serving in the United States Coast Guard from 1942-1946, Mr. Franzle attended the University of Alabama and graduated in 1949 with a B. S. in Commerce and Business Administration. He was a proud member of the University’s Million Dollar Band, playing the Coronet.

Following college, Mr. Franzle moved to Nashville, Tennessee and began his career as a manufacturer’s representative. Following the passing of his father, he moved his mother and two sisters to Nashville from Middlesboro. Mr. Franzle met his beloved wife Amelia Dawson Franzle on a blind date arranged by mutual friends in Nashville, and they were married in 1960. He would be completely devoted to Amelia throughout the remainder of her life.

Joe and Amelia moved to Charlotte in 1968 when he accepted a position as a manufacturer’s representative, primarily serving the automobile industry at Sydney Butz and Associates, which he later acquired. He became very active in this city which he and Amelia both loved. Mr. Franzle joined Covenant Presbyterian Church soon after moving to Charlotte, and he was a devoted member throughout his life and served in various capacities. He was a Patron of Opera Carolina and The Charlotte Symphony and along with Amelia was active in the activities of the Opera Guild of Charlotte. He was a longtime member of the Sharon Civitan Club, serving as its President in 1972-1973 and 2001-2002. Mr. Franzle was always interested in philanthropic causes, and in June 1970 he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by then Governor Louis B. Nunn. This award is given by the Governor to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to their community, state or the nation.

Amelia was a gourmet cook and Joe was the consummate host. Together, they always loved to graciously entertain friends, neighbors and business associates at their home. Their door was always open and their warmth infectious. After Amelia’s death in 2008, Joe moved into Sharon Towers which he loved and where he made many more friends. Kind and outgoing, he always cherished the many warm and lasting friendships he made throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Mr. Franzle was predeceased by his sister Lucy Ellen Seymour and her husband Fred, and his sister Elizabeth Mary Ferguson and her husband Curd, and he is survived by six nephews. Interment will be at Sharon Memorial Park on Wednesday, March 29, at 10:00 a. m., followed by a service of remembrance at 11:30 a. m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead Street, with the Reverend Joan Watson officiating. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sharon Towers Residents’ Assistance Fund, 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210, or to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Online condolences may be addressed to www.carolinafuneral.com. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements.

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