predecessor. The legacy that Donald Holcomb handed down will live on for ages in his
four kids, eight grand kids, and nine great-grand kids.
When Donald Holcomb took his last breath in this life on Easter Sunday at age 74, his life
on this Earth ended but eternity began for him in Heaven. Just as his Savior came to this
Earth as a servant, Donald’s life mirrored Jesus’ in that he served his fellow man during
his time here.
Donald Holcomb was born on March 5, 1936 into humble beginning in Tiger, Georgia in
Raburn County located at base of 2,856-foot Tiger Mountain, a prominent Blue Ridge
Mountain peak. His family moved to neighboring Habersham County to Clarksville, GA
where he spent his youth growing up in a large family with three brothers and five sisters.
When Donald was 16 or 17, his sister Mozell traveled to Franklin, GA to babysit for Louie
Denney’s family. There she met Amos Pike and decided to marry him. Well, this created
an opportunity for one of Donald’s other sisters, Vera Veal, to take over the role of
babysitter for the Denney’s. Donald decided to visit his sisters in Heard County one
Christmas week and spend some time with them. He purchased a round trip bus ticket
for the stay but little did he know he would meet the love of his life in Franklin and that
round trip ticket would become a one way ticket.
Donald took a job at a Service Station owned by “Droopy” Adams which was located at
the current site of the Kwickie in Franklin. There he would do odd and ends jobs,
washing cars and helping out where he was needed. It was in this job that I believe
Donald began his lifetime of service to the people of this community. Across the street
from this service station where the Pizza Place is located now stood Awbrey’s Café
where Peggy Minick worked as a waitress. They caught each other’s eye across that
street and on July 12, 1953 Donald took Peggy as his wife for as long as he lived. They
were married for 56 years and had four kids. As patriarch of his family, Donald lived to
see his kids have kids and his grandkids have kids, spanning four living generations.
This is a testimony to they type of man he was and his impact will be felt through
generations more.
Donald began his life with Peggy here in Franklin and they never lived anywhere else. He
worked at Franklin Aluminum for a short time before beginning his 31 year career with
the United States Post Office, from which he retired. Those who remember him on the
mail route remember a nice, kind man who was always on time and courteous to
everyone. It didn’t take long for Donald to become a popular face in town. Many in the
community remember the Stop & Shop that Donald ran for many years which was
located at the current Texaco Station at the intersection of Franklin Parkway and
Highway 34.
Donald also, stemming from his servant heart, decided to run for City Council of Franklin
in the early 1960’s and expanded his service to the community as a whole. Successful in
his bid, Donald served as a councilman for four years. Later in life, after his retirement
from the Post Office, Donald decided to again run for City Council in 2001 and was once
gain successful, serving this time for eight years in two terms. Donald was instrumental
while in office in helping Franklin become a great place to live with the addition of new
sidewalks around town, the playground behind City Hall, the new community center and
the new Franklin Fire Station. He left his legacy not only in his family but also all around
our town and county.
Donald also served his community as a volunteer fireman for the City of Franklin for
many years, working as the assistant fire chief.
Many remember Donald Holcomb as the “Tow Truck Driver.” Donald worked with
Stephens Wrecker Service by providing towing services in and around Heard County.
There were many times I would see him on the side of the road down on his face in the
dirt hooking up yet another vehicle he was loading on the roll back. He never failed to be
there when someone needs his tow services, whether during the day or at midnight.
Other may remember Donald for another reason. For many years, Donald would travel
back to North Georgia to Ellijay, GA and pick up a truck load of apples. Home to the
famous Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay always had the best apples and Donald knew this.
He would bring a taste of the mountains back to Franklin and you would find him on the
square some Saturday mornings with a truck load of apples for the people of
Franklin/Heard County to come by and purchase. I personally remember hearing from
my grandmother, Donald’s sister-in-law, that he was on his way to Ellijay and I would
start looking forward to those apples finding their way to my table.
Donald’s funeral was attended by many family members, friends, colleagues, and many
community members who knew him. I heard many remarks while at the funeral of how
Donald had touched their lives in some way. He will be remembered for the many hats he
wore; tow truck driver, volunteer fireman, apple man, councilman. But his legacy will be
as a loving husband, caring father, wonderful grandfather, and a friend to all.
Article by Brad Yates
Personal Note: I wanted to share my personal thoughts of a man I remember when I was growing
up. My vision of Donald when I was little was a man who was hard-working. Every time we would
go over to his house, he was working, never sitting down, working. That made an impression on
me that I haven't ever forgotten. The years went by and I saw less and less of him until we both
ended up in City government together. I wasn't shocked to find him there when I got elected as I
understood why the people of Franklin would want someone like him in office representing them.
Donald was the same person I remembered, a little more weathered from years, but still a hard
worker. He was always working to help people in any way he could, even when his body was
trying to give up on him. He and I had the opportunity to become friends and for that I'm a better
person today!
Great Legacy