Frank Fouraker

Franklin Fouraker of White Springs, Florida passed away on May 26th, 2021 at 93 years of age. He was the second son of Jesse Franklin and Sarah Touchton Fouraker. He was a member of the Suwannee Baptist Church in Suwannee Florida. Franklin was born at home in the backwoods of Echols County Georgia near Tom's Creek. When he was a youngster, the whole family moved south into Hamilton county Florida on Rocky Creek, just north of Belmont Florida. As a teenager, his family later purchased two farms north of White Springs Florida and moved the family to the larger of the two farms. Franklin helped his older brother Pearsall to work the property including chipping boxes, dipping turpentine and cutting timber for cross ties to help pay off the land. He was drafted in 1950, serving two years in the United States Army. He also served as an auxiliary Deputy Sheriff for Hamilton County in the 1960s and '70s. Franklin and Pearsall worked hard to keep the farm going after their dad suffered a back injury. In 1960, Franklin met Betty Alice Smith at the Friday night dance at the American legion on the north side of White Springs. They were married on December 21st, 1960. With this marriage, Franklin also gained a son Jim Smith. Franklin and Betty lived a long and happy life together.
During his life, Franklin became an avid fisherman and hunter which included killing a bear or two in Bee Haven Bay. He was always able to catch fish even when those with him were not. His and Betty's enjoyment of fishing led them to even purchase a home in Suwanee Florida where they spent many years fishing. Franklin also enjoyed raising cattle, goats, hogs, corn, soy beans and tobacco. He was a beekeeper, transporting the bees to Central Florida for orange blossom honey and even up to Minnesota for clover honey as well as producing local gall berry and palmetto honey. He grew and harvested pine timber on both farms. With his wife Betty, he also operated a catfish hatchery and U-catch operation at his farm just outside of White Springs. This location also was a U-pick operation for peas and beans. In his later years, he moved to the farm just south of Genoa. He still kept a smaller herd of cattle on the farm along with pine timber. He enjoyed having the cattle around even though he was not able to care for them himself. He and Betty could often be seen riding through the field in their truck checking the cows and looking for animal tracks. He pointed out bear tracks and raised concerns about the danger to the young calves all the way up until he could no longer ride around. He never let much get by him. As his age progressed and health declined, he was blessed to have several friends and close family members stay with him around the clock for companionship and assistance. His last months were spent in the home of his loving sister Avis Cason. These caregivers were a true blessing to him.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Betty; grandson Wesley Franklin Smith; sisters Mary Harris, Amy Claxton, Pearlie Bonnell Fouraker; and brother Pearsall Fouraker Sr.
He is survived by his son Jim (Teena) Smith; grandson Jimmy (Denice) Smith; 9 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandsons; his two sisters Avis Cason and Lula (Gerald) Herring.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021 in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will be held at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery on Woodpecker Route in Fargo Georgia at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or in Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice 6037 West U.S. Hwy 90, Lake City, FL. 32055 or to The Gideons International Live Oak Camp, 1342 Coliseum Ave Live Oak, FL. 32064.
HARRY T. REID FUNERAL HOME, Jasper, FL. is in charge of arrangements.