O.A. Buddy Franks Jr.

O.A. "Buddy" Franks, Jr., 82, of Magnolia, Ark. died Monday, September 21, 2015 at his home. Buddy was born November 9, 1932 in the Macedonia community and was preceded in death by his parents O.A. Franks, Sr. and Velma (Johnson) Franks, his first wife, Dot Franks, daughter, Suzanne Franks and sister and brother-in-law Saline and Billy Grace. Buddy owned and operated Tri County Oil Company, Inc. for 29 years and currently raises horses and has tree farms. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he served as Administrative Board Chairman, Board of Trustees, and Lay Leader and was the President of the Clegg/Open Door Sunday school class. He was a past member and President of the Magnolia Jaycees where he was chosen as Outstanding Jaycee of the Year in 1967, Director and President of the Magnolia Boys and Girls Club in the early 70's, Director and President of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce in the 70's and 80's, served for 14 years on the Board of Education for the Magnolia Public Schools, member for 29 years of Rotary International, chairing various special campaigns for charitable benefits. Even though Buddy was not a veteran, he worked diligently for their benefit by helping establish the Veteran's Memorial on Magnolia's downtown square, initiated the campaign for veteran's personalized flags and sponsored many events for the Columbia County National Guard. For his dedicated service to the Future Farmers of America, Buddy received numerous awards including an Honorary State FFA Degree for his lifelong support. Buddy devoted his life for the betterment of Magnolia and Columbia County. His biggest achievement was the organizing and planning of the First Annual Championship Steak Cook-Off for Magnolia. This has ultimately been proclaimed as the World Championship Steak Cook-Off which has resulted in national recognition. Buddy is survived by his wife, Jeanne Bowman Franks of Magnolia; son, Allen Franks of Malvern; sister and brother-in-law, Alma Jean and Partee Tuberville of Magnolia; nephews, David Grace and wife Cindy of North Little Rock, Danny Grace and wife Debbie of Conway, Donald Grace of Little Rock, Paul Tuberville and wife Kathy of Germantown, Tenn.; niece, Angela Brasher and husband Bill of Springdale; stepsons, Jay Minmier and wife Lisa of Oklahoma City, Okla., William Minmier of Magnolia; and step daughter Kim LeVrier of Fort Worth, Texas. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, September 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 24th at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Kelso officiating and assisted by Rev. Raymond Cammack. Honorary pallbearers will be the Clegg/Open Door Sunday school class. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 320 West Main St., Magnolia, Ark. 71753 or to SAU Foundation, P.O. Box 9174, Magnolia, Ark. 71754. To sign the online guest book or to share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.