George Cooley Franks, age 94, died peacefully at this home in Demopolis, Alabama on Sunday, April 30, 2023. George was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on December 7, 1928, and grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After joining the Navy at the age of 16, he completed his service and returned to Tuscaloosa where he finished school at Tuscaloosa High School in 1949. He was employed by South Central Bell where he met and then married Gladys Taylor Franks. In 1966 he was transferred to Demopolis, Alabama, and remained there until his retirement in 1986 as Foreman. After retirement he worked at TASCO, Inc. and Anderson Plumbing, Heating & amp; Electricity in Demopolis. He was named “Citizen of the Year” in 1983, and also served as a BSA Scoutmaster for Troop 14 at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, as well as Scoutmaster for Troop 5 in Demopolis for First Baptist Church. During those days he was awarded the BSA Silver Beaver Award from the BSA National Council given to those who implement the scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. He was a member of Kiwanis, The Gideons, and Bethel Baptist Builders. George also served as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa as well as First Baptist Church for almost 70 years total, and most recently was awarded Deacon Emeritus from First Baptist Church on April 23, 2023. He was Originator/Founder of the Alabama State Bar-B-Q Championship for Demopolis’ own Christmas On the River and served as Chairman for 30 years. With a servant’s heart, George ministered around the world through many mission trips. He was the pillar of the community and when asked how he was, his reply was always, “Better than I deserve!”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Taylor Franks; father, George G. Franks; mother, Lula B. Franks; and brother, Freddy F. Franks.

He is survived by his children; Bobby Franks (Anita Duncan); Kaye Evans (Arthur); Lydia Randall (Mike) and Cindy Parker; sisters; Frances Franks Pearson (Tuscaloosa), Jean Franks Ward (Huntsville) and nine (9) precious Grandchildren; Emily R. Spiller (Shane), Scott Evans (April), Michael Randall (Marion), Taylor Evans (Megan), Fallon Taylor (Hunter), Kathleen Randall, Hayden Franks (Lana), Leanna Rogers (Nathan), Graham Parker (Alena) and 23 great grandchildren, who loved him dearly!!

Visitation will be held at O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Demopolis on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 am with Rev. Carl Williams officiating. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church Demopolis from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the service. Graveside funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 1009, Demopolis, AL 36732 or Bethel Baptist Builders, 1002 Midway Road, Thomasville, AL 36784.

Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home