William Earl Franks

Mr. William Earl Franks was born on June 03, 1942 on Cedar Creek in Perry County, TN to his parents, the late Mr. Jimmie Franks and Mrs. Lessie Irene Holt Franks. Mr. Franks was raised in Perry County attending school in Linden until he and his family moved to Wayne County during his junior year. Throughout his school years he loved to play basketball, excelling at the sport, especially during his Junior and Senior years where he was recognized as team co-captain. He finished his academic career at Wayne County High School in Waynesboro with the graduating class of 1961. After high school he would marry Ms. Norma Jean Howell on May 22, 1961, and the two would remain married for several years and set up roots in Wayne County and build their family. Being a hard worker and excellent provider, he worked in various fields during his vocational years such as a sawmill operator, security guard/maintenance for Wayne Medical Center, Genesco Manufacturing, finally retiring from Fisher and Company Manufacturing after 23 years of service. On Sundays he enjoyed spending time in worship, being of the Methodist faith, and spending time with his church family. Sometime after his divorce, he would remarry Lynda Kae Jones in 1979 and would remain married until her passing in 2018 blending their hearts and families. In his leisure time he could be found fishing, gardening, traveling and camping in his RV visiting various camping sites. One of his favorite pastimes would be eating at the River Shack with his special friend Iva Simmons and his “bestie” Marilou Hawkins and spending time with his dog and his faithful companion “Little Girl” Dixie. However, he held no other moment close to his heart than the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. William Earl Franks passed from this life on July 11, 2025 in Centennial Hospital in Nashville, TN at the age of 83 years, 1 month and 8 days.

Those left to honor his memory include his children Kimberly Olinde (Roger) of Brandon, MS and Carol Crews (Barry) of Waynesboro, TN; sibling Dexter Faye Webster of Flatwoods, TN; grandchildren Derek Stone, Sydney Cade, William Blaise Olinde, Norman Grace Olinde, Blake Crews, Blaine Crews and Lance Crews; several great-grandchildren; step children Tina Honn, Rick Kiser and Bobbi Barrier (Jack); step grandchildren Jessica Wright (Richard), Avery Laster (Allie), Brooke Moore and Charlie Hadden; special dear nephew Wayne Franks for which he enjoyed making business trips to Florence AL to pick up auto parts; as well as nieces and nephews, family members, friends and dear loved ones.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son Davey Franks; siblings E. J. Franks, Gene Franks and Shirley Kelley.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers included Blake Crews, Lance Crews, Blaise Olinde, Alex Franks, Blake Crews and Derek Stone. Services were held Monday July 14, 2025 at 3:00 pm with Bobby French and Jeff Kelley officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Visitation with the Franks family began Monday July 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm till 3:00 pm service time all at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC Chapel in Waynesboro.

Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC is honored to serve the family.