Billy Joe Franks departed this life on Friday, October 10, 2014, at the Veterans Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 62 Years, 9 Months, 10 Days. He was born on December 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 6 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 Collins of Centennial, Colorado, Caleb Scott Cupples of Winchester, Kansas, and Gabriel Cheyenne Sweat of Savannah, Tennessee; 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; 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; grandparents, Almon and Fannie Franks, and Charlie and Bessie Riley.