FRANKLIN – Ernest Alford Klatt Sr. (Big Al) passed away Jan. 26, 2021 at the age of 80. He was born in Dania, Florida to the late Ernest Klatt and Violet Stewart.
Al was a long-time resident of Macon County, and the former owner and manager of the family business, Ruby City Gems. He was a master gem cutter and stone setter, and an accomplished real estate investor. Al loved hunting, fishing and traveling the world. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the American Gem Trade Association.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lila Emery; five children, Al Klatt Jr., Kevin Klatt, Cindy Klatt, Laura House and Michael Klatt; two sisters, Elsie Winchester and Kay Martin; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A celebration of life was held at 6 p.m. Saturday Jan. 30, 2021 at Macon Funeral Home. The family received friends an hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Appalachian Animal Rescue, PO Box 81, Franklin, NC 28744 or Children International, P.O. Box 219055, Kansas City, MO 64121.
Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.