Gene Austin Franks Sr.

Gene Austin Franks, Sr., of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was a man of few words. Quiet by nature, he believed that when you spoke, your words should have meaning. And when Gene did speak, it was important.

Gene was a gifted man who worked with his hands, finding joy and purpose in crafting, building, and creating. He was also, above all else, a family man. In the last several years of his life, Gene focused on the things that mattered most—his relationships, his loved ones, and most importantly, his family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Austin Thomas Franks, former Mayor of Pine Bluff, and Rema Franks; his beloved wife, Pam Franks; and his sister, Linda Joyner.

He is survived by his sons, Gene Franks, Jr. and his wife, Shannon, and Austin Franks and his wife, DeDe; his grandchildren, John Franks, Eli Franks, Easton Franks, Owen Brown, Madisyn Ashcraft, Jonathon Franks, and Cameron Franks; his great-grandson, Rhett Franks; his niece, Dana King; and his nephew, Tom Wingard.

Gene loved his family deeply. Though he was a man of few words, his love was shown in the life he lived, the things he built, and the people he cared for. He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.