Lanny James “Big Daddy” Franks, 70, of Tifton, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021, at his residence. His funeral service will be held Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Jimmy Franks, the Rev. Josh Bennett and the Rev. Dale Bishop officiating. Mr. Franks will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. The family requests that attendees of “Big Daddy’s” funeral dress comfortably.
Casey “Turtle” Walker, Nick Hodnett, David Walker, Jon Miles, Braden Culpepper and Chris Lee will serve as pallbearers.
Born December 18, 1950, in Tifton, Mr. Franks was the son of the late James Wallace Franks and Maxine Tyson Franks. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Mary “Jan” Davis Franks; and one brother, Lenn Madison Franks. Before retiring, he was employed with Averitt Express and he was a member of Corinth Free Will Baptist Church in Tifton. He participated in Snowman’s Run to benefit Wounded Veterans and he loved Fords and the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Mr. Franks is survived by two daughters, Johnna Franks Barrentine and Gregg Horne aka “The Kid” and Kayla Franks Brantley and her husband Justin, all of Tifton; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Diane Franks Parten and her husband, Ronald of Ashburn and Wanda Franks Cofield of Tifton; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy and Joyce Drawdy Franks of Jesup and Ronny and Sherrie Brewer Franks of Jasper; a sister-in-law, Lisa Koella Franks of Sanibel, Florida; four grandchildren, Brady Barrentine, JoLynn Barrentine, Anna Grace Horne and Issac Irions; a special friend, Betsy Stobbs; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to the Jacee Beth Thomas Medical Fund to [email protected]; or to www.snowmansrun.com.