JERRY FRANKS - Jerry Wayne Franks, age 71, of Columbus, MS, passed away September 25, 2021, at his residence.  Funeral services will be Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Main Street Presbyterian Church.  The interment will immediately follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.  Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory 716 2nd Ave. North location is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born October 3, 1949, in Columbus, MS, to the late Louis and Mildred Williams Franks.  He was a long time and FOREVER Friend, Brother in Christ, Valiant Vietnam Veteran, serving as an Army Medic with DUSTOFF (shot down 3 times), later a Navy Corpsman serving with our Beloved Marine Corps' Elite 2nd RECON Battalion.  He was an artist/painter, history scholar, ambassador for Christ, and family man.  At 7:35 PM Saturday he was medevaced to his Final PCS in Heaven where his rewards are many.  "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort."  2 Corinthians 1:3

Jerry was a life member of the SCV William Barksdale Camp 1220, American Legion Post 69,  Disabled Veterans Association, and chaplain of Dustoff 236 Medical Evacuation Unit.  He is retired E6 Navy Corpsman.  He and his wife Nancy are members of Main Street Presbyterian Church (PCA) and enjoyed the Happy Hearts activities.

Jerry is survived by his wife Nancy (Eiter) Franks of 39 years, his daughter Angela Sparks, grandsons Nathan (Megan) Sparks, Randall (Carla) Sparks, and Patrick Sparks, and four great grandsons, Isaiah, Josh, Boyd, and Jonah Sparks.  He is also survived by his brothers Randy and Kenny Oswalt.  He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Franks, mother, Imogene Williams Franks Oswalt, and step father, Heyward Oswalt.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in honor of Jerry Franks to Vanderbilt NICU VUMC gift donor services 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 900, Nashville, TN, 37203, or to their church, Main Street Presbyterian Church, 701 Main St., Columbus, MS, 39701.  Please mail cards to Nancy Franks, P.O. Box 5252, Columbus, MS, 39704.