James Douglas Franklin, 81, of Birchtree Lane, Concord, died Saturday, August 10, 2013, in Medical Care Center in Lynchburg.

Born in Concord, VA on July 22, 1932, he was one of four children to the late George Frost Franklin and Marie Lucille Jones Franklin. He was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist church where he was a lay speaker and a member of the choir. He was a graduate of Concord High School, Phillips Business College and Lynchburg College. Doug served his country in the US Air Force. For over 50 years he was a member of the Reedy Spring Masonic Lodge #203 A.F. & A.M. and for many years was an active member of the Concord Rescue Squad.

He is survived by a twin brother, Thomas M. Franklin, Sr. of Concord; a sister and brother-in-law, Jane F. and Melvin G. Lyon; a sister-in-law, Helen A. Franklin all of Concord; two nieces, Kaye Franklin and Donna Franklin; a nephew, Thomas (Tom) Franklin, Jr.; two great-nieces, Jennifer Jones and her husband Ronnie, and Miranda Franklin; one great-nephew, Thomas Malcolm (Mackie) Franklin, III.; three great-great nieces and one great-great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by a brother, George David (Dick) Franklin.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2013, in Bethlehem UMC by the Rev. Dan Dibble. Burial will follow in Concord Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post #104 and V.F.W. # 9855 combined honor guard and Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service and other times at the home of his sister, Jane Lyon.

Those wishing to make memorials please consider the Alzheimer's Association, 1022 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or Bethlehem UMC, PO Box 138, Concord, VA 24538.