July 7, 2026, 79, Newport – Reverend Jule Franklin Lane, 79, of Newport, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 7, 2026.
Born in Wayne County on June 17, 1947, Franklin was the son of the late Jule Lane and Edna Mozingo Lane. He spent most of his life in Wayne County before moving to Carteret County within the past year. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony Gaines Lane and Alton “Tootie” Lane; stepbrother, Joseph “Jodie” Lane and stepsisters, Inez Lane Turner and Louise Lane Flood.
Franklin lived a life of faith, service and devotion to Christ. He was a faithful member of Union Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church in Fremont for more than 55 years, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, deacon, trustee and youth leader. Answering God’s call to ministry, Franklin became an ordained minister in 2018 and served as pastor of Black Jack Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro from 2018 until earlier this year.
In 1992, Franklin joined Gideons International and faithfully served for many years as Church Ministries Chairman for the Goldsboro North Gideon Camp. He also served as a State Regional Program Leader for the Eastern District of North Carolina and as Area Director overseeing Gideon camps in Wayne, Duplin, and Sampson counties. Throughout his years of service, he traveled countless miles sharing the Gideon message with churches across eastern North Carolina.
Franklin’s commitment to serving others extended well beyond the church. During the 1980s, he served as President of the Wayne County Babe Ruth Baseball Organization and was instrumental in helping establish girls’ fast-pitch softball in Wayne County. He spent many years coaching youth sports in the Nahunta community. He also served as President of the Norwayne Middle School Booster Club and helped organize a Saturday basketball program for area youth.
A dedicated community leader, Franklin served on the Board of Wayne County United Church Ministries, including several years as Chairman. He also served on Sheriff Carey Winders’ Advisory Council, the Wayne County Safe Kids Partnership Board, the Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers Board, and was an active member of the Goldsboro Exchange Club for many years.
Franklin was a graduate of Brogden High School, Class of 1965. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserve. Throughout his career, he worked for Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Theron Smith and Sands Vending, Excel Linde, and General Electric, from which he retired. He was also the founder of Lane Vending Company.
More than any title he held or position he filled, Franklin treasured his faith, his family, and the countless friendships he developed throughout his life. He never met a stranger, and his warm smile, caring spirit, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He never missed an opportunity to encourage someone, lend a helping hand, serve his community, or share his love for Christ.
Franklin is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 56 years, Judy Sasser Lane; sons, Michael Lane and wife, Stephanie of Fremont, and Scott Lane of Atlantic Beach; grandchildren, Grayson Kearney and husband, Ryan, Grifton Lane and wife, Macy and Garrett Lane and great-grandson, Jayce Kearney.
Franklin loved being in the company of his family and friends, and they are invited to join together in celebrating a life well lived. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Princeton Church, with Pastor John Massengill officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International in Franklin’s memory.
Professional services have been entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
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