John Solesbee, 81, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Charles Spurgeon Solesbee and Nobia Cunningham Solesbee. The grandson of the late Rev. Alvin Solesbee and Belle Kilpatrick Solesbee. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert "Bobby" Solesbee; two sisters, Sue Allen and Peggy Knoth. John graduated from Franklin High School in 1955 and began his 25-year career with the U.S Navy. He served during the Vietnam War and earned several medals. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church and enjoyed playing golf.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kandy P. Solesbee; daughters, Twyla Sue Solesbee of Franklin, Joy Imelda Gunter (Donald) of Jacksonville, FL and Sandra "Sandy" Jolly; brothers, Bill Solesbee (Juanita) of Franklin and Dave Solesbee (Helen) of Amissville, VA; two grandchildren, Regan Alexandra Gunter and Ashley Victoria Gunter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, March 16 at Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Steve Reeves and Rev. Brandon Breedlove will officiate. Burial will be in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Autism Society, 306 Summit St, Asheville, NC 28803 or Veterans of Foreign Wars, 60 W Palmer St, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com