James Ray Franks

James Ray Franks, 81, of Guys, TN passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Magnolia Regional Health Center. He was born in Alcorn County, MS on August 10, 1936 to the late JR and Vivian Franks. A beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, James Ray lived a life outdoors, his property was well maintained and continuously tended; beyond being a hard worker, James Ray looked for any excuse to be on the back of his tractor bush hogging. To shake hands with James Ray was to touch the tools of an artist - he was an accomplished carpenter, especially skilled at finish work and intricate detailing of cabinetry. He served his country and community in the US Air Force Reserves and as an Alcorn County Sheriff Department reserve deputy. He will be forever remembered in the hearts of his family and friends. Visitation is scheduled for 5 - 8 pm, Tuesday, November 14, 2017 and from 12 Noon until service time Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Magnolia Funeral Home. A celebration of James Ray's life will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel of Memories officiated by Bro. Casey Cupples. A eulogy will be offered by Mary Elizabeth Pounders and Franks Curtis. Interment will follow in Henry Cemetery officiated by Charlie Browning. Pallbearers include Buddy Kemp, Dan Walls, Ben Caldwell, Dusty Essary, Jon RIchardson, Jerry Wadkins, Cameron Russell, Chad Little, Milton Sandy, Justin Null and Cullen Potts. Magnolia Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Those left to honor James Ray's memory include his daughters: Nan Curtis and husband Nickey of Corinth and Vickie Essary and husband Randy of Jacksonville, FL; the mother of his children: Mary Ellon Franks of Corinth; his grandchildren: Suzy Essary, Franks Curtis and wife Jessica, Matthew Essary, Mary Elizabeth Pounders and husband Garett; his great-granddaughters: Callie Anne Pounders and Ada Marie Curtis; a very special friend: Peggy Vanderford, her children: Stan Burcham and wife Rebecca, and Jamie Vanderford; and granddaughter: Presleigh Spence; his nieces and nephews: Tommy McCormick, Susan McCormick, Ken Lancaster and Jimmy Lancaster; other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to his parents James Ray was preceded in death by his sisters: Nelda Franks McCormick and Ann Franks Lancaster. Online condolences may be expressed at magnoliafuneralhome.net.