William Charles Franks

William Charles Franks was born in Waynesboro, Tennessee on April 10, 1950, the son of the late William Clystine and Katie Jerrolds Franks.

On December 18, 1971 he was united in marriage to Brenda Orean Davis, who survives.

Charles, as he was known by everyone, served his country proudly in the Army National Guard for six years.  He retired after 42 years from the Packaging Corporation of America, where he was a crew leader.  Charles loved his family.  He enjoyed traveling with them as well as watching whatever events or activities that they were involved, whether that be dance recitals, award ceremonies, plays, football, basketball, or baseball games.  He also liked riding four wheelers and hiking on the family land at Gillis Mills.  

Charles was a member of Love and Truth Church in Savannah, where he served as an usher and member of the prayer team.  Charles was a devoted Christian who put God first in every aspect of his life.  If you ever met him, you mostly heard from him about Jesus.  Jesus and the Bible was his favorite topic of discussion, and he shared his passion with everyone he met.  Charles made a positive impact on so many peoples' lives through his testimony, sharing of scripture, and explaining God's plan and purpose for our lives.

One of his favorite passages of Scripture is from Romans 10:9-10 NLT which states, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."  And then verse 13, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  Charles wanted all people to know the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, and it was evident by the way he lived his life.

He departed this life on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 74 years, and 10 days.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, Brenda Davis Franks of Savannah, Tennessee, Charles is survived by his sons, Brian Franks (Misty) of Savannah, Tennessee, Jaime Franks (Brandi) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Stacy Franks (Lindsay) of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Rachel Franks, Hannah Franks, Caleb Franks, and Annsley Franks, all of Savannah, Tennessee, and Owen Franks of Jackson, Tennessee; brother, Marlin Franks of Savannah, Tennessee; sister, Linda Clement of Savannah, Tennessee; and half-sister, Kay Daniels of Orlando, Florida.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Clystine and Katie Franks, and one sister, Geneve Franks.

Charles will be missed by his family and friends for his sense of humor, his happiness, his love for people, his encouragement, his sharing of his faith and eternal hope, but most importantly, for his prayers for all of us.