Billy Joe Franks, 75 of Columbus, MS passed away Monday, December 20, 2010 at his residence.

Visitation was held Tuesday, December 21 from 1 ? 2 PM at the Community Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 2 PM at the Community Baptist Church with Bro. Wes Jones officiating. Interment was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Franks was born February 7, 1935 in Columbus, MS to the late Louie C. and Pauline Franks. He was a lifetime resident of Columbus, MS and employed at American Bosch as a tool and die engineer with more than 20 years of service. Mr. Franks served in the National Guard. After his retirement, he enjoyed working on tractors and old cars, loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was a friend to many. He was a member of Community Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Louis Franks.

Mr. Franks is survived by his wife, Sherry C. Franks, Columbus, MS; daughters, Resa (Jim) Spencer; Mitzi ( Tommy) Hughes; sons, Gary (Wendi) Franks and Derrick Franks all of Columbus, MS; one sister, Mert McAdams, Millport, AL; nine grandchildren, Christie (Shawn) Forrester, Kevin Specer, Tori (Bo) Edmiston, Drew (Ashley) Hughes, Megan Chapman, Gabe Franks, Morgan Franks, Julia Franks, Anna Franks and five great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Kevin Spencer, Drew Hughes, Shawn Forrester, Gabe Franks, Bo Edmiston and Gavin Forrester. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Wade, Dr. Whitaker and Dr. Brad Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Baptist Church Building Fund, 2490 Yorkville Rd. E., Columbus, MS 39702 or Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 1736 Beersheba Rd., Columbus, MS 39702.