Edgar D. "Eddie" Franks, 80, of Benton, departed this life on June 19, 2023.

He was born on January 1, 1943, in Athens, Tennessee to the late Edgar Luis and Edith Williams Franks.

A 1961 graduate of Polk County High School and of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school as well as singing gospel music and writing poetry about Jesus and the Bible. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served 3 years and 2 of those years was stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged. Eddie was an avid college football fan, especially for the Tennessee Vols and would often have multiple televisions and radios on playing the game. He was a very funny man and could put a smile on any ones face he encountered.

In addition to his parents, Edgar Luis and Edith Williams Franks, he was preceded by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Lou McDonald Franks; grandson, Kevin Trew; brothers, Virgil Franks, Joseph Franks, Johnny Franks; infant sisters, Barbara Franks and Faye Franks and infant brother, Dwight Franks.

Left to cherish the many memories include his stepdaughter, Shelia (Michael) Trew; grandson, Nick Trew; sisters, Angie (Charles)Murphy, Sharon (Russell) Ross, Sylvia Brown, Shirley Franks Price and Wawanna Derrick.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Benton Memorial Gardens with Pastor John Cain officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.