E.J. Franks Sr. (1-16-11) services 1-20-11

E.J. Franks Sr., 78, of Savannah, died Sunday, Jan. 16, in Savannah.

He was born in Hardin County, the son of the late Turner William and Lillian Lee Fox Franks. He was united in marriage to Peggy J. Horton, who survives.

Mr. Franks served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Ky., and the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he retired in 1972. He served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War, and also served with tours of duty in Germany, Lebanon and Hawaii. He worked for Southern Energy in Addison, Ala., and was formerly park host at Bruton Branch State Park for several years. He was former captain of Tennessee Defense Force in Savannah.

Services will be held today, Thursday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m., at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah with a military chaplain officiating. Burial will follow in the Hollands Creek Cemetery at Hardin County.

In addition to his wife, Peggy of Savannah, he is survived by four daughters, Pamela L. Vickery of Savannah, Karen Goessling of Cordova, Tenn., Sharon Phillips of Lexington, Tenn. and Pat Zimmer of Nashville; three sons, E.J. Franks Jr., Darryl Shelby and Ronnie Franks, all of Savannah, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one sister, Peggy J. Pontius of Elkhart, Ind.

He was also preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Holloway.