Sammy Lee Franks
February 9, 1931 — July 9, 2008
Sammy Lee Franks, Vinton, Ohio went to be with the Lord Wednesday afternoon, July 9, 2008 after a brief illness. Sammy was born on February 9, 1931 in Guin, Alabama to Elbert M. and Virgie Dickinson Franks. Sammy was preceded in death by his brothers Jesse and Jack Franks, sisters Nella Mae Dodson and Jewell Dean Schmitz, and infant son Elbert Ray.
Sammy retired from BASF Wyandotte Chemicals in Wyandotte, Michigan. While living in Michigan, Sammy was a member of the Rose of Sharon Old Regular Baptist Church in South Rockwood, Michigan where he became an ordained minister in 1967. Since moving to Ohio in 1974, Sammy has faithfully served the Lord as moderator or assistant moderator of the following Old Regular Baptist churches: Little Tavie Church, Point Pleasant, West Virginia; South Fork Church, Worthington, Kentucky; and Little Ettie Church, Beaver, Ohio. Until his passing, he served as moderator of Little Pearl Church, Vinton, Ohio and Little Flock Church, Ray, Ohio.
Sammy is survived by his loving wife, Jewell (Hamilton), with whom he shared almost 55 years. They have two sons, Dennis L. (Gail) Franks, Stoutsville, Ohio and Michael J. (Lori) Franks, Grove City, Ohio and their grandchildren, Jason (Chris) Franks, Stacy Franks, Dennis Lee Franks, Jr., Zachary Franks, Nathan Franks, and Edna Nicole (Nicki) Franks; four step-grandsons, Grant, Matthew, Jeremy, and Zachary Wilcoxon. Sammy was also blessed with one great grandson, Ashton Franks and two step-great granddaughters, Ellen and Gracie Gill, many nieces and nephews, and extended family. Sammy's peaceful demeanor and loving kindness will be sadly missed by his family, and his many brothers and sisters in Christ.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Little Flock Church, Ray, Ohio with ministers of the Old Regular Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Vinton. Friends may call at McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, 420 First Ave, Gallipolis Friday, July 11, 2008 from 6:00-9:00 PM and Saturday, July 12, 2008 from 1:00-3:00 PM. The body will lie in state after 6:00 PM on Saturday evening at Little Flock Church until the service hour on Sunday.