Pat E. Franks

Pat E. Franks, aged 66, of Lavonia, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Born on January 29, 1959, in Stephens County, Pat was the son of the late Alfred Thomas Franks and Mattie Lou Watkins Franks. He lived a life dedicated to the service of others and was a cherished member of his community.
Pat was a proud graduate of Stephens County High School, class of 1977. He furthered his education at Lanier Technical College, where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in paramedicine. His career in Emergency Medical Services spanned over thirty years, during which he served the communities of Franklin, Hart, and Banks Counties with unwavering commitment. Pat was also a certified firefighter, having completed his certification at North Georgia Technical College, and served with the Five Area Fire Department for more than three decades. His passion and dedication to saving lives extended beyond his professional achievements, leading him to serve in firefighter and paramedic roles, in which he excelled and made a significant impact on countless lives.
Pat was a devoted member of Double Branches Baptist Church. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his community, his compassion for helping others, and the love he shared with his family and friends. His legacy of service and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Pat was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debbie Cash Franks; brothers, Herman, Mikey, and Bobby Franks; and sisters, Betty Franks and Debra Kast. He is survived by his children, Joshua Franks and Crystal (Stoney) Norris; grandchildren: Katie Aldrich, Kynzie Hamdan, Briella Franks, and Axton Norris; and a great-grandchild, Kayden White. His siblings, J. W. Franks, Dan Franks, Floyd Franks, Martha Turn, Flora Crittendon, and Ann Allen, also survive him.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Lavonia First Baptist Church's Bridge Sanctuary. Reverends Ralph Goss, Nate Bunner, and Stacy Lynch will officiate the service. Following the service, Pat will be laid to rest at Franklin Memorial Gardens – North with First Responder Honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At other times, the family will gather at the home of Crystal Norris. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Ayers, John Bruce, Mike Hambrick, Randal LeCroy, Adam Thornton, and Barry Thornton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to help defray funeral expenses. Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is overseeing the arrangements. Friends and loved ones are invited to sign the online guest register at http://stricklandfh.com.