Glenn Howard Franks

Glenn Howard Franks passed away on December 11, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama. He was a long-time resident of Semmes, Alabama and more recently of Mobile. He was born on May 11, 1926 at Nauvoo, Alabama to Howard and Bessie Franks. Glenn lived with his family in the beautiful backwoods of Jasper, Alabama until he was nearly grown when they moved to Lake City, Florida where most of his family still resides.

Entering the Navy during World War II, Glenn worked as an airplane mechanic at Deland, Florida. He went back to Jasper, Alabama to marry his high school sweetheart, Ella Atkins on May 13, 1945.

Glenn and Ella went to Detroit, Michigan and worked in the auto industry before moving to Florida to work in the orange groves. About 1954, Glenn would take a job at the Brookley Air Force Base again working with airplanes and would remain in the Mobile area for the rest of his life. He also worked for several automobile dealerships around town and retired after 22 years at Joe Bullard Oldsmobile.

During his younger adult life, Glenn loved to go to the new motion picture theater and ride his motorcycle. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Music was always a big part of Glenn’s life, playing the guitar and singing. Glenn joined Big Creek Baptist Church and served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and song director for a number of years. He also traveled to different areas to play and sing gospel music with the Lovelaces. Friends would gather at the Franks’ home on weekends to sing and play music. More recently, he was a member of Camilla Baptist Church. Glenn continued to play the guitar at the nursing home where he resided for seven years and helped to care for his wife until the day he died.

Glenn lived to the ripe old age of 91 but was tired and “ready to go to the other side.” If he were here today, Glenn would tell you to get saved, go to church, and read your Bible.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ella Atkins Franks; children: Glenda Davison of Ashville, Alabama; Terry (Sandra) Franks of Semmes; Donna (Ronnie) Howell of Semmes; and Marty (Bessie) Franks of Wilmer; brother, William “Dub” Franks of Lakeland, Florida; three grandchildren: Matthew Davison, Tracey (Bud) Grimes, and Brandie Franks; two step-grandsons: Brian and Keith Howell; and three great grandchildren: Logan Franks, Harleigh (Zack) Matthews, and Alexis Grimes.

Glenn is preceded in death by his sister, Doris Neal; bother, Sherman Franks; and grandson, Sergeant Jeremy Franks; and son-in-law, Felix Davison.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland, Alabama. Funeral services will be held at the Chapel at Radney’s on Friday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held immediately afterwards at Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home in Eight Mile, Alabama.