By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 86-year-old Neal Franklin. Franklin enjoys watching Christian TV shows and ball games when he's not busy socializing at the Atmore SAIL Center or exercising.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Covington County, near Andalusia. I was born on May 17, 1921.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: M.N. Franklin and Annie Franklin.
Q: Where were your parents from?
A: Covington County, I think that's where they lived most of their lives.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I had two brothers and three sisters.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: At Red Level High School.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: Not a whole lot.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: When I came up we just worked on the farm, plowed mules.
When I got married I wasn't making but a dollar a day. I helped build C.C. Camp. Other than that, I went into the service.
Q: What did you do in the service?
A: I stayed in mechanics most of the time. I was in the Army. I never did go overseas.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, I was married to Jenise, but she recently passed away.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: I have three children. James is the oldest one. There's Lavon B. Franklin and Mike Franklin. I have five grandkids and five great grandchildren.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Brooks Memorial.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: I like to keep house and try to visit people as much as I can. I go to church. I read my Bible, about two chapters everyday. I don't do much since my wife died.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
A: I watch all the Christian shows and I do like to watch the ball games.
Q: What's your favorite food?
A: I like a lot of vegetables.
Q: Do you cook a lot?
A: I do. I cook my breakfast and my dinner at night.
Q: What's the most interesting thing you've ever done?
A: Tedious work on automobiles.
Q: Where's your favorite place you've ever visited?
A: Lookout Mountain and the Smoky Mountains.
Q: Do you come to the Atmore SAIL Center often?
A: I do. I don't even know how long I've been coming.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: I ride a bicycle every morning for 30 minutes and I walk at night inside on my machine. Exercise and staying busy, I do all my yard work. Stay active and not miss going to church.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)