Charles Eugene (Dixie) Franklin
1930 - 2025
Passed away peacefully at WRHN @ Chicopee (Freeport) on Sunday May 4, 2025, in his 95th year, with family by his side.
Eugene, born and raised in Woodstock New Brunswick, was only called Charles when he was in trouble, and was nick-named Dixie by his basketball coach. Dixie was a point guard on his high-school basketball team, winning the Dominion of Canada Championship 1948 in Montreal. Dixie never forgot anything he ever learned at school, and told many stories about his childhood in Woodstock, skating on “Pikey’s Rink”, sledding, water-skiing and working in his brother’s bakery where he started delivering bread at age 12, driving the company panel van.
Dixie married his school sweetheart Mary, and they moved to Kitchener, where Dixie worked at BF Goodrich, and Mary was a legal secretary. He continued his schooling at Waterloo Lutheran University (now Laurier). Eventually Dixie left “the Goodrich”, where he was a foreman, and took an Upholstery course at Conestoga College. He started the family business for Ford Model A’s, supplying parts, upholstery and expertise to his customers all over the world. Dixie never retired from the business, and was rebuilding carburetors and distributors through January 2025. In his spare time, Dixie built & raced go-karts, and snowmobiles, rebuilt cars and went on “old car picnics”.
Beloved husband and best friend of the late Mary Winnifred (née Nevers). They were married for 65 years.
Loving and devoted father of Glenn & his wife Brenda, and Gene and his wife Lianne.
Cherished Grampie to Erin & her husband Mat, to Andrew & his partner Meredith, and to Arianna. Proud great-grandfather of Connor, Paige and Kyla. On Christmas eves, Dixie would recite/read “The Night Before Christmas” to the great grandkids. Dixie enjoyed going to soccer, hockey and baseball games, and would often sneak the kids a toonie or pack of hockey cards. The shop was always available for Grampie’s help and consultations on any items for repair, and for mechanical issues with cars, ATV’s and snowmobiles. He always said, “anything for the kids”.
Devoted brother-in-law to Dorothy Everett and her husband Gerald (deceased). Special uncle to Keith Everett (deceased) and his wife Heather, and family Sandy & Mark, Christy, Craig, Thomas & Ashley.
Predeceased by his parents Gerald Roy and Pearl (nee Grant) Franklin, Mary’s parents Wilbur & Verna Nevers, and by his siblings Hollie, Edna, Mary, Grace, Ada.
The family is very grateful to the nurses and doctors who cared for Dixie at Freeport. They smiled at Dixie’s wry sense of humour, and took such good care that he didn’t want to leave. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to nursing staff and hospitals, or to local schools as expressions of sympathy. These are the people who make our future better and brighter.
Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237