Joseph Franks

Joseph "Jody" Franks, age 79, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 17,after a short battle with cancer. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Services will be held at twelve noon, Tuesday, March 20 at Taylor's Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Loudin and Dr. Danny Crosby officiating. Visitation will be Monday, March 19, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home from 6 to 8 pm. Burial will be at Moffat Cemetery. Jody was born September 16, 1932 in Pidcoke, Texas to Elmo Franks and Mary Jewel Pancake Franks. After attending Gatesville schools, he enlisted in The United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country from 1951-1954. During this time he received Military Honors including The National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Service Medal,and The Good Conduct Service Medal. He had served as commander of VFW Post 1820 and was a past member of The American Legion Post 133 and The Temple Elks Lodge 138. In July of 1954, he met the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Goode. It only took one look into her beautiful eyes, and he knew she was his one and only. They were married October 28, 1954. In 1958, they moved to Temple and opened Jody's Big Burger. Then in 1963, they bought Snappy's Drive Inn which soon became Jody's Snappy Drive Inn. Today this is known as The Old Jody's Restaurant. Thousands of Jody Burgers later, in 1983, they expanded and built Jody's Family Restaurant. Throughout the years, Jody and Mary taught their children the family business and the importance of carrying out family tradition. Jody and Mary retired in 1998. Jody's work ethic remained strong, therefore he began developing subdivisions and overseeing the building construction of homes. Jody and Mary enjoyed spending time traveling, cruising, and gambling. Jody also loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his family. Jody was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and two sisters. He is survived by his darling of over 57 years, Mary. Two sons, Joseph "Joey" Franks and wife Sheryl, and Douglas "Doug" Franks and wife Melisa. Two daughters, Cherr Franks Hill and husband Ronnie, and Lisa Franks Byers and husband Tony Warren. Also surviving is sister Bernice "Bunky" Woodson and husband Cecil, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family and many wonderful friends. Pallbearers will be Gaylon "G.R." Bartlett, Braxton "Buck" Byers, Douglas "D" Franks, Steve Geiselbrecht, Kyle Kacir, Benny Byers, and Gaylon Bartlett. Honorary pallbearers will be J.D. Pruitt, David Jernigan, Cecil Woodson, Charlie Davis, and Don Murphy. Memorials may be made to Scott and White Miracle Network or to Scott and White Hospice.