John William Franks Sr.

John William Franks, Sr. 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at his home in Dacula, Georgia. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Low Franks, his four children, M. Katherine Haenszel (Tom), of Haslet, TX, John William Franks, Jr. (Lynne), of St. Helena Island, SC, Suzanne M. Roquet, of Hoschton, GA, and Karin K. Ogletree (Bobby), of Buford, GA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Jack was born February 20, 1933, in High Springs, FL, to the late John Roy Franks and Caroline Fleet Franks. Also preceding him in death are siblings Marjorie Franks Wilkins, Virginia Franks and Charles Robert Franks.
Jack, as he was known by his friends, graduated from New Hanover High School, Wilmington, NC, in 1951 and from Wilmington College (now known as UNC Wilmington) in 1953, where he was student body president. He completed his Civil Engineering degree at NC State and graduated in 1956. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Jack navigated through the railroad industry from surveying roadbeds to brokering railcars.
He and Mary traveled worldwide during "retirement" and he was a dedicated 15-year chairman of the Trustee Committee of Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church (HMUMC).
Jack was a devoted husband, dad, "Pop", and friend, who was a constant calm in all situations. He was one who extended grace to those who needed a second chance. He believed that God filled his life with love and abundance which he shared willingly. His lifetime example of a deep relationship with God, his appreciation of the abundance with which he was blessed-the love of and for family, his business achievements, generosity, and grace towards others-leaving a lasting legacy.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Jack's name to Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church, 1450 Pine Rd, Dacula, GA 30019