Jerry Lee Franks, Sr.

Jerry Lee Franks Sr. was born on April 7, 1951, in Turner, Arkansas to Roosevelt and Helen Franks.

Jerry was a longtime resident of Louisville, KY where he lived since leaving his childhood home Hammond, Indiana. He attended the Hammond Public Schools graduating from Hammond Technical – Vocational High School in 1971. Jerry began his military career when he joined the Navy in 1971. While in the Navy he was a Navy “Seabees” which is the “United States Naval Construction Battalions.”  His Navy career extended until 1975. He was a member of the Navy Reserves from 1978 until 1980. He went on to further his education at Purdue University Calumet Hammond, IN where he majored in Computer Technology. He also received a 4-year degree from Calumet College, where he became a Pipe Fitter. Jerry began his career with FORD Motor Company in 1983. In 1987 Jerry relocated to Louisville, KY. He retired from FORD Motor Company May of 2012. In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed fishing and tennis. He was an outstanding chess player. Most of all he loved spending time with family! He had a heart of Gold which made ALL the kids love him!  He leaves a legacy of kinship, love, and laughter!

In 1975, Jerry met the love of his life, Jacqueline, while attending Purdue. The two were married in Holy Matrimony on April 10, 1978. Jerry had five children whom he loved dearly. He also had thirteen grandchildren, and nine great- grandchildren.

He left this world to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

He joins in heaven, his mother Helen Franks, father Roosevelt Franks Sr., brothers Alphonzo, Robert Franks and Wayne Lewis, Sisters Earnestine Bassett, Carolyn Franks, and Fannie Anderson. 

Jerry leaves behind his loving wife, Jacqueline Franks; children, Craig Franks of Indianapolis, IN, Jerry Jr. (Linda) Franks of Indianapolis, IN, Toris (Siphokazi) Stephens, Dallas, TX, Tisha (Leviticus) Leggett, Killeen, TX, Friday (Nathaniel) Wilson, Dallas, TX. Godchildren; Justin Franks, Haley Hannon, Kristal Marshall, Tayja Jeffers, and Reginald McPipe. Loving sisters and brothers, Dorothy Lewis, Rosetta (Eddie) Foster, Mona (Michael) Lewis all of Hammond, IN, Edna (Roy) McPipe of Crystal, MN, Roosevelt Franks Jr., Jerome (Tina) Franks of Hammond, IN, Ray (Brooke) Franks of Gary, IN, and Tommie (Tenita) Franks of Munster, IN; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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