Terry Lynn Franks

If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Terry Lynn Franks. He was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around him. Even though Terry was enthusiastic and generous, it was sometimes difficult for him to boast about his accomplishments. Terry had strong personal convictions, making it hard for him to relinquish those ideals he held dearest to himself. Despite his outer strengths and beliefs, Terry sometimes struggled in his efforts to see the world as completely positive. Terry's life motto was always to hope for the best and work hard towards that end, but be prepared for some of life's disappointments. This philosophy was a continual driving force in his life, but it did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Terry, something that was always there and that he readily shared with everyone around him.

       His parents were Eliza Maud Pemberton and Eldon Leon Franks. Terry was raised in Choctaw, OK. As a youngster, Terry demonstrated an inquisitive nature and stubborn streak. He was a compassionate person, a quality that he would carry with him throughout his life. Even at a young age, Terry was sensitive to the needs of those around him and sought out opportunities to help.

      Throughout his life, Terry showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships. This was true even with his siblings. Terry was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around him. Terry was raised with seven siblings. Donald Leroy, Lester "Buddy" Leon, Raymond Lee, Melvin Eugene, David Gerald and his twin Ira Harold, Jess Ervin, Bobby Wayne. Terry was constantly involved in activities with his brothers. Terry and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As a young boy, Terry lived a childhood filled with fantasy. He was generally in pursuit of his own identity, but he was also adaptable to almost any situation he faced. Terry took part in baseball and general tomfoolery with his brothers. He was a member of the 4-H. However, to Terry, the most fun to be had was simply playing, and spending time with his many friends.

      High school was a time for Terry to seek out knowledge. Terry took his education seriously. He graduated from McLoud High School in 1963. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers, but his most memorable experience in high school was when he helped build the girls softball diamond with his favorite teacher.

      While those who did not know him well found Terry to be somewhat reserved until they got to know him, he was an authentic and devoted friend. Terry was a tranquil person, with an easygoing and open-minded attitude towards life. He presented a pleasant face to the outside world but concealed the pain and discomfort he felt over his own friends’ difficulties. Terry sought to achieve harmony with everyone and possessed the ability to mend conflicts and avoid interpersonal struggles. While growing up, some of his best friends were his brothers and Charles Watts. Later in life, he became best friends with his older brother Buddy.

      The desire for romance was always present in Terry's life. He succeeded in finding it on June 3, 1971, when Terry exchanged wedding vows with Patsy Lee Pollock at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Judge Byron E. McFall of Oklahoma City, OK. Terry cared passionately for Patsy. His deep loyalty and a strong commitment to his vows brought a sense of completeness to their marriage.

      Terry was a gentle person who held deep feelings for his children. He enjoyed having fun with his kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. Terry showed great empathy in his willingness to give every family member a voice in family decisions. Out of his union with Patsy, he was blessed with three daughters, Doria Elizabeth, Stacia Ruth and Aubri Marie. They were also blessed with a son-in-law Spencer Johnson Smith and three grandchildren, Dozier Johnson, Logan Cash and Cashlin Grace.

      Endowed with a strong sense of integrity, Terry was as loyal and committed in his work as he was in the rest of his life. Terry worked well with fellow employees and showed great cooperation in reaching common goals. Though he had a tendency to take on too many tasks, himself; Terry showed great patience with complicated situations. He was ingenious and trusted his intuition. For Terry, the application of logic could be optional, and while that sometimes bothered his co-workers, Terry always seemed to be able to get the job done. He was most comfortable working on the projects and jobs that he strongly supported. His primary occupation was as an auto body repair man. He was both self employed and employed by various body shops throughout his 41 year career. Terry always tried to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Terry enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were rebuilding classic cars, hunting, fishing, boating, scuba diving, playing with his grand kids, and working around at the farm. Terry was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but he was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Terry's tremendous enthusiasm for the activities he enjoyed also influenced the pleasure he drew from sports. Recreational sports included family volleyball and horseshoe games. Terry also enjoyed watching sports and liked following his favorite teams whenever he got the chance to do so. WWF on Saturday mornings as his girls grew up and OU football on Saturday afternoons.

      Terry was an eternal idealist, and his deep concern for others made him a valuable asset to all around him. Because he truly wanted to make a difference, Terry actively sought opportunities to help others throughout his life. Terry was passionate in his beliefs and he could really come alive when involved in a project.

      Terry took all of his personal and moral obligations seriously. Terry was a strong defender of his faith. He was a member at Graceway Baptist Church for 29 years. During that time, he expressed his stewardship by helping whenever needed and serving as a prayer warrior.

      Being a selfless person, Terry did not seek approval from his peers, but he valued the recognition he received for his good deeds. Some of his most prestigious awards included various auto repair awards and certifications as well as receiving the OK State Literacy Award in 2008.

      Terry enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included Walt Disney World, Turks & Caicos, diamond hunting in Arkansas, road tripping to Atlanta to ensure Dory got settled into her new life. He also enjoyed his road trip to Green Bay Wisconsin for his first NFL game, Christmas in New Orleans Louisiana, visiting the Biltmore in North Carolina. However, his most memorable trip was when he got stung by a sting ray during the family vacation to Galveston, TX.

      Terry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Terry's favorites was Red the Quarter Horse. They were close friends for 19 years. His family was rounded out by his 2 cats: Maddie and (blind) Mossimo and his rarely tolerated Lab Retriever named Joy.

      Though Terry always appeared to be dreaming of greener pastures, he was accepting of retirement when it finally came in 2002. Long-range planning skills served him well in preparing for the “golden years.” His new life involved caring for his family across the state of Oklahoma. In retirement, he found new pleasure in rearing his grand kids, restoring classic cars and renovating his daughters houses. Even in retirement, Terry continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

      Terry passed away on July 26, 2017 at home in Oklahoma City, OK. Terry fought a brave battle against prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife Patsy, his three daughters Dory, Stacy & Aubri; his son in law Spencer Smith; his grandchildren Dozier, Logan & Cashlin; four brothers Leroy, Raymond, Melvin & JE; a slew of cousins, nephews and nieces. Terry was laid to rest in Sunnylane Cemetery in Del City, OK.

      Terry Lynn Franks was someone who was able to see the world as a good and honorable place. He viewed the people who inhabited it as essentially good. A person who tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Terry tried to focus on the good he saw, knowing that there were times he would have to compromise. He was selfless and deeply committed to all things positive and good. Terry was a person who would keep his eye on tomorrow and constantly held onto his dreams. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve that became Terry's trademark qualities for all who knew him, and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew him loved Terry Lynn Franks.

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Terry was born in Buffalo, Oklahoma, to Eldon and Eliza (Pemberton) Franks. A career auto body man, he enjoyed rebuilding classic cars, hunting, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Patsy, five children; Dena Jackson, Ronnie Franks, Doria Franks, Stacia Franks, Aubri and son-in-law Spencer Smith, four brothers, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers. Loved by many and will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 30, 2017, at Bill Eisenhour Southeast Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.sunnylanefuneralhome.com