Billy Joe Franks departed this life on Friday, Oct. 10, at Veterans Hospital in Memphis, at the age of 62 years, 9 months, 10 days.
He was born on Dec. 30, 1951, the son of the late Joe Cecil Franks and Nellie Mae Riley Franks, who survives. He was united in marriage to Dana Cuff Berry Franks, who also survives.
He served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years and the United States Air Force for six years. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three sons, Jason Grey Franks of Centennial, Colorado, Caleb Scott Cupples of Winchester, Kansas, and Gabriel Cheyenne Sweat of Savannah; one daughter, Shilo Dean Cupples of Florence, Alabama; three sisters, Karen Joy Pevahouse, Pattie Jean Kiddy, and Claudia Lanell Holland; one brother, James Ricky Franks; his grandparents, Almon and Fannie Franks, and Charlie and Bessie Riley; and four grandchildren, Aiden Grey Franks Collins, Xander Steele Franks Collins, Owen Michael Franks Collins and Logan August Christopher Franks Collins.
He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Cecil Franks.
Services will be held today, Thursday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah. Burial will follow in Corinth National Cemetery at Corinth, Mississippi.