Ernest Charles Golding, 80, of Franklin, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020. Born in Hillside, NJ, he was the son of the late Claude Golding and Lillian Meriwede Golding. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann McGowan Golding and nine brothers and sisters. Ernest graduated from All State Construction College; served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was a retired general contractor. He was a member of First Alliance Church; was a pro golfer, avid bowler, enjoyed cribbage and watching football. He is survived by his fiancé, Gracie Ledford Greene of Franklin; two children, Bob Golding (Jenny) and Deanna Wagner (Bernie) both of Franklin; six grandchildren, Josh Jones, Josh Wagner, Melissa Zaidman (Ben), Daniel Sevigny (Katelyn), Katherine “Kayti” Tallent (Dalen) and Deaven Golding (Cody Peavy); four great grandchildren, Henry Zaidman, Alex Zaidman, Caroline Zaidman and Raylen Tallent. A visitation will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, February 1, at First Alliance Church, followed by a memorial service and fellowship supper. Pastor Scott Eichelberger will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Relay for Life (Macon County), C/O Tony Young, 347 Knob Hill Estates, Sylva, NC 28779, or First Alliance Church, 31 Promise Lane, Franklin, NC 28734. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com