Fred Franks

Saltillo – Fred Franks, 83, died Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his residence in Saltillo. A native of the Unity Community, he was the son of Henry Grady and Georgia Anna Horton Franks.  He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. From 1954 until 1957, he served in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot during the Korean Conflict and later became one of only a few to receive both rotor and fixed wing ratings.  He was a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard from 1959 until 1972, earning the rank of Major.  While enlisted, he received a number of medals and citations. During his service to our country, he worked in Federal Court under Judge Claude Clayton until Judge Clayton's death; he then transferred to Biloxi to work under Judge Walter Nixon. A long time resident of Saltillo, Fred served as rural route carrier with the United States Postal Service until his retirement.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Saltillo.  His lifelong passion revolved around aviation and his family.  He was the widow of Lois Thomason Franks who preceded him in death in 1991.



Survivors include two sons, Tommy Franks and his wife, Carin and Richard Franks both of Saltillo; two sisters, Janis Cherry of Saltillo, and Faye Pyle of Hackleburg, Alabama; five grandchildren, Tyler Cameron, Sydney Franks, Rick Berteau and Ken Berteau; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.



He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 34 years, Lois Franks; one daughter, Lois Jeanine Franks; and one grandson, Thom Franks.



Services with Military Honors will be 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the Saltillo Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Phil Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Saltillo Cemetery.



Pallbearers will be Tyler, Cameron and Hunter Franks, Craig and Dave Cherry, Matt Painter, Jason Jaggers, and Chris Moses.



Honorary pallbearers will be Mickey White, Jason Stidham, J. C. Hudson, and Sid Pitts.



Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at W.E. Pegues, Saltillo.



Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com