Billy Ray Franks
Billy Ray Franks
Billy Ray Franks was born on March 29, 1939 in the Big Ivy community in Hardin County, TN, the son of the late George W. and Johnnie Mae Brown Franks.
On August 21, 1965, he was united in marriage to Laura Marie Vickery who survives. For 35 years he was employed by Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company in Lawrenceburg, TN. B.R. as he was known by his friends, thoroughly enjoyed repairing lawn mowers in his shop at his home. He loved growing vegetables, visiting the “boys” at Wilbanks Body Shop next door, and sitting on his porch watching everyone go up and down the road. He was a member of Lutts United Methodist Church. Mr. Franks honorably served his country in both the United States Army and the Army National Guard. He departed this life on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at his home in Lutts,TN at the age of 82 years, 7 months, and 6 days.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: Lucas and Bessie Crotts Brown, Ellerson and Sudie Bain Franks.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years: Laura Marie Vickery Franks; brothers: Browny Franks (Lillie), David Franks (Dorothy), both of Lutts, TN, Dale Franks (Sharon) of Florence, AL; sisters: Jerrie Moore of Nashville, TN, Jimmie Qualls of Savannah, TN, Jean McWilliams (Ted) of Collinwood, TN, Joy Franks of Lutts, TN; aunts: Peggy Brewer of Huntsville, AL and Alta Brown of Decatur, AL. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and his faithful feline companion: Tim the Cat.
Funeral services for Billy Ray Franks were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Shackelford Funeral Directors at Collinwood in Collinwood, TN with Daniel Holt and Jeff Young officiating. Burial followed at Lutts Cemetery at Lutts, TN
The family wishes to thank his two “angels” who made his last weeks so much better: Cindy Kelly and Dottie Hensley. The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Boorgu and Dr. Danny McFall for their kindness, concern, and wonderful care during Billy’s illness. May God bless you both.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: the Butterfly Foundation, Box 212, Waynesboro, TN 38485 or to Lutts United Methodist Church, 8312 Lutts Road, Lutts, TN 38471.
