Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees Chairman O.A. “Buddy” Franks passed away Monday morning at his home in Magnolia.
SAU President Dr. Trey Berry informed the SAU campus of the sad news.
“We are shocked by the news of Mr. Frank’s passing,” said Berry. “Mr. Franks had such a true love for SAU and we will miss his wise counsel and unwavering support for the University and its people. Kathy and I feel such a personal loss today in many ways. Please keep the Franks family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Otis A. “Buddy” Franks, Jr., was appointed by the Governor Beebe in 2012 to fill the remaining two years of a term vacated by Dr. Jack Harrington. Franks then continued on the SAU Board to fill the void when Chairman William “Bill” Stringfellow passed away in 2014.
Franks completed the SAU presidential search, hiring Berry last spring to succeed Dr. David Rankin upon his retirement. Franks was also on hand to unveil the naming of the David F. Rankin College of Business following a fundraising campaign at a dinner honoring the retiring Mulerider leader. Franks was elected chairman of the Board on May 7, 2015.
A life-long resident of Magnolia, Franks is a 1954 graduate of SAU. After receiving a degree in business, he spent 14 years at the First National Bank of Magnolia before becoming a commissioned agent with Mobile Oil Company. His career in oil and gas distribution spanned more than four decades.
Even though Buddy was not a veteran, he worked diligently for their benefit by helping establish the Veterans’ Memorial on Magnolia’s downtown square, initiated the campaign for veterans’ personalized flags and sponsored many events for the National Guard unit in Columbia County.
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 Magnolia Blossom Festival 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, TN; niece, Angela Brasher and husband Bill of Springdale; stepsons, Jay Minmier and wife Lisa of Oklahoma City, OK, William Minmier of Magnolia; and stepdaughter, Kim LeVrier of Fort Worth, TX.
Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 23rd at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. 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, AR 71753 or to SAU Foundation, P.O. Box 9174, Magnolia, AR 71754.
Information contributed by magnoliareporter.com
