Billy Lee Franks

Billy Lee Franks, 77, a resident of Prairie Grove, passed away Jan. 20, 2014, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born June 30, 1936, in Prairie Grove, the son of George William and Ruby McCamish Franks. He was a member of the Rheas Mill Community Church where he served as a lay speaker. Billy served in the United States Air Force, then returned to attend college at the University of Arkansas, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineer. He then went to work as a civilian contractor at Tinker Air Force Base. He was preceded in death by his father; and his brother, Roy Gene Franks. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Franks; one daughter, Michelle Gibbs and husband, Grant; and one son, Michael Franks; one granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth Gibbs; and his mother, Ruby Franks. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-7 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, 10 a.m. at Rhea's Mill Community Church in Rhea, Ark., with burial in Rhea Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rhea Cemetery Association, 18588 Rheas Community Road, Lincoln, AR 72744. Arrangements are under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Ark. Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.