George Roland DeFranco

George Roland DeFranco, 77, of Rainbow City, AL, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. A funeral service will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Collier-Butler Chapel. Pastor Randy Gunter will officiate. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

George was born on August 16, 1943 in Florala, AL. He graduated from Troy University in 1965 with a degree in business and marketing. He served honorably in the United States Navy for 3 years earning rank of Lieutenant. He also served his country as a veteran of the Vietnam War. George married his wife Betty on October 21, 1971, and has spent the last 50 years devoted to his family. As affectionately known, ‘PaPa’, loved seeing his children and grandchildren excel at sports and academics. Education was a priority to George. He always stressed the importance and value of College to his family, and put all three of his children through nursing school. George was a Christian and loved to serve the Lord. He was a member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, and absolutely loved his Life Group. Our dearest brother, husband, dad, papa, and friend will be so missed. He was a huge presence in our lives, and the world won’t be the same without him.

Mr. DeFranco is preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Ruby DeFranco; and grandson, Colton Shane Mason.

George is survived by wife, Betty DeFranco; son, Steven (Kristyn) DeFranco; daughters, Staci (Brian) Coker, and Amy Mason; grandchildren, Alex (Noah), Maci, and Baye DeFranco, Daulton, Dantley (Madison), and Emilee Coker, and Hunter and Hollie Mason; great-grandchildren, Vannah and Jagger Calhoun, Mallie Hilyer, Carter DeFranco, Savanah DeFranco, and Briar Coker; sisters, Ann (Dewayne) Eason, and Kay (Jim) Hickman.

Pallbearers will be Daulton Coker, Dantley Coker, Baye DeFranco, Noah Chandler, Jameson Jenkins, and Landon Jenkins.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Oluwole Akisanya, Dr. Kaleem, GRMC 8th floor staff, (especially Michael, Shelly, Tara, and Donna), and Sothern Care Hospice. Special friends, Jimmy Thompson and Larry Parker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church in memory of George DeFranco.

The family will accept friends from noon until the hour of the service Saturday at the funeral home.