James Anthony “Tony” Franks was born June 30, 1942, at his family’s home in the Frankstown community in Prentiss County, Mississippi, the second of three children born to Genelle Hill and James Marcus Franks. He passed from this life January 24, 2026.
Tony was educated in the public-school systems of Wheeler and Baldwyn, Mississippi, graduating from Baldwyn High School in1960. He attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College and Mississippi State College, and he graduated from Delta State College with a degree in music.
While at Delta State, he met Shirley Garner. They were married on December 30, 1967, and recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Tony and Shirley loved travelling, especially to retreats at Lake Junaluska; Chamois, Missouri; Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas; the Ozark and Smokey Mountains; visiting family in North Mississippi and Alabama; and many other places. They enjoyed venturing out to try new restaurants, and they particularly enjoyed The Crown in Indianola, which served as a setting for many celebrations.
Tony began his professional career as a band director at Osage R-1 School District in Chamois, Missouri. After three years, he and Shirley moved to Marks, Mississippi, where he served as band director at Marks High School. After taking additional college courses, Tony began a long tenure of classroom teaching, which took him to Ole Miss, Grenada High School, Winona High School, Montgomery County High School in Kilmichael, and even as far as Zimbabwe. Over the years, he taught English, speech, creative writing, Mississippi writers’ literature, music, lay speaking courses (many of which he co-authored.) He loved teaching and had kept in touch with many of his former students over the years.
Throughout his lifetime, Tony loved to entertain and inspire creativity in others and had many roles and outlets through which he could express these traits. He enjoyed being a journalist for The Winona Times; teaching; acting and directing in many community playhouses throughout Mississippi; and writing short stories. He was an avid storyteller. Fact or fiction, there was always a story to tell. He enjoyed cooking and eating fine food and rarely met a cookie he didn’t like.
Tony was a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church, led bible studies, and was a supply minister wherever and whenever he was needed. He so loved preaching the word of God. He was a church musician, generously sharing his God-given talent of playing the organ and piano. He was most grateful that he could help people feel closer to God and enhance their worship with music. Never one to be idle, Tony could often be found in his woodworking shop at the family farm, creating a variety of artistic pieces for friends and family. Tony was a life-long admirer, collector, and dealer of antiques. He was always on the lookout for a treasure or perfect find for clients. He thoroughly enjoyed strolling through junk and antique shops and markets. No matter where he was, he could always seem to locate one.
Of all the roles he played, he took the most pride in being Daddy to his two daughters, Suzanne and Laura; and Grandaddy to Jack, Garner, and Gregory. He was always quick to brag about their latest adventures and accomplishments. He truly derived the most joy from this role.
Tony is survived by his wife, Shirley, his daughter Suzanne Franks and son-in-law Al Vance; his daughter Laura King; and grandsons Jack King, Garner New, and Gregory New. He is also survived by his brother Joe and his wife Linda. He leaves many more family members to include very special nieces and nephews and cousins, all who were like brothers and sisters to him. And, of course, he leaves an abundance of friends whom he loved dearly. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Martha Franks Davis (Wallace.)
A memorial service honoring Tony’s life will be held at North Carrollton United Methodist Church on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:30 PM. A time of visitation with the family will be held at Oliver Funeral Home in Winona on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and at the church in North Carrollton from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service.
For those unable to attend, the family will livestream the service on Facebook. It can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1844QA23Xp/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to North Carrollton United Methodist Church, PO Box 21, North Carrollton, MS 38947, or to Methodist Senior Services, PO Box 1567, Tupelo, MS 38802.
Though we must say goodbye for a while, we should do so in celebration of a life well lived and filled with love, adventure, opportunity, and blessing. Tony’s light has faded but so many burn brighter because of him. He was a magnificent man, husband, daddy, grandaddy, cousin, uncle, and friend. May the memories of him and love he showed be a legacy.
So sorry Shirley. Much love to you and the girls.
So sorry. Tony was a great guy amd a good friend. Prayers for all the family!
Mr Frank’s subbed as an English teacher when our teacher had to be out on a long term basis. He was a great teacher. That was in 1980 or 81. He has continued to be a good and valued friend. He made a difference in many lives and will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. I got to know him at Delta State and enjoyed his company a lot. May he rest in peace!
Shirley, I’m so sorry to hear this! Tony was a great fellow! Never saw him without a smile.
Prayers for you and all your family. Love, Peggy
I just saw this. Flattened. Shirley, my heart goes out to you. The world just keeps getting darker.
You know he is one of my all time favorites! Grieving with you all!
So sorry to hear about Tony. Tony was such a caring person and will be greatly missed. Hugs and prayers for you and the girls.
A true “Renaissance Man.” I am so proud I can say that Tony Franks was my friend.
This breaks my heart, Shirley. Tony was a special customer and friend to all the Crow gals. He will be missed.
Shirley and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Tony. He was an exceptional, talented man, and I always enjoyed talking to him while we were at Delta State. May he rest in peace and may God comfort you all through this difficult time.
I will surely miss my friend, Mr. Tony. Was glad I got to see him for a short visit back in the summer. He was always so kind and such a caring man. He will be missed by many. Praying for Mrs. Shirley, Laura, Suzanne, and the entire Franks family and all who loved him.
Shirley so sorry to hear about Tony passing. He was so talented and interesting to talk to. We met up in dr office a couple it times and talked about the farm in which you know he love being at the country home. Love and condolences to you and family.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Franks. He was such a loving and caring person. He and his regular group of young men, the filming crew, always enjoyed being with him at the farm. May God Bless all of you during this very difficult time. We are praying for you all and if we can do anything, please let us know.
One of my favorite teachers. God bless you. 🙏🏾
So sorry to hear of Mr. Frank’s passing! He was well-loved by many of us students. He was a joy to learn under, and always pushed us to do our best! Rest well Mr. Franks!
I have great memories of my time with Tony and Shirley so many years ago. We all had some “knee-slapping” times that will always be with me. My condolences, Shirley.
Mrs. Franks I am sorry to hear of your husband transition. I am praying God comfort your heart like only he can today and the days ahead.
Shirley and family,
I always enjoyed talking to Tony when I would see me somewhere. He was friendly, funny, and interesting, as well as wise. He also was a very good teacher. This came from several of his students. I bought a wooden Christmas tree that he made and I will always remember him when I look at that tree. He left a legacy for his girls and grandchildren.
Tony and I were classmates at State in the1960’s. A great guy and an outstanding musician.
we reconnected on Facebook several years ago. Sincere sympathy to family and friends.
Tony was a sincere friend and wonderful neighbor. I will miss our many conversations as former Educators and his love for his family. So long for now my friend… Glen and Marcia Hobbs.
To the Franks Family,
I send prayers and condolences to you. Mr. Frank was an amazing teacher. He will be missed.
Dewitt and Mary Branch We are so sorry for your loss Loved to hear Tony play the piano and preach
Sorry to just hear this. Mr. Franks was not only my teacher, but he also subbed for me two different times when I became a teacher. I knew my students would be in good hands. Jack and the rest of the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Camelia Robinson
Shirley, this is your cousin Teresa Garner Ansley from Carroll Co. I’m sorry for your loss. Wish I had known about Tony’s memorial service in N Carrollton yesterday so I could attend. He will certainly be missed. I have such sweet memories of you and your mom and dad. May God give you His inner peace beyond understanding.
I would love to send you a program and a copy of his eulogy. If you want to send me your address.