Thomas Eugene “Gene” Franks

Thomas Eugene “Gene” Franks, 81, of East Flat Rock went to be with his Heavenly Father in his permanent home, walking the streets of gold with his daughter Renee, on March 15, 2016. Born in Glenville, he was a son of the late Leroy Filmore and Martha Elizabeth Bentley Franks. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Shirley, Fred, and Ray; and two sisters, Mildred and Ruth.
Gene was drafted by the Marines in 1953, after which he worked as a truck driver. During this time, he met his wife, Louise and they were married September 9, 1956. Later they moved to Austel, GA where he worked as a police officer and prison guard. Twelve years later they moved to Hendersonville where he worked as an instructor at Blanton Truck Driving School. Later he worked at and retired from AmeriGas. He was a member of Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene.
Gene will be remembered by his family with smiles, as he always had a smile for everyone, never holding a grudge, and was a friend to all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Louise; his sons, Tim (Angie) Franks, Chris (Joelle) Franks, and Kerry (Suzette) Franks; his daughter Denya (Sam) Stanchak (twin to Renee); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dot Bryson.
Funeral services will be at 11am Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Sherman Waters officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Military graveside rites will be conducted at Forest Lawn Memorial Park following the service.
Cards may be mailed to Louise Franks at Cherry Springs, 358 Clear Creek Road, Room 38A, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please visit forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.