Billy Earl Franks passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, at the age of 33. Billy was born on February 9, 1988, to the late Gary Sr. and Elfreda (Young) Franks at White River Medical Center in Batesville, AR.

Billy was a man of few words, but when he talked you listened. He was a free thinker that enjoyed looking at things from outside of the box. He enjoyed conversations about things he found interesting that stimulated deep thought. Not many people knew, but Billy loved writing poetry. He had notebooks full of original poems he accumulated over the years. He loved joking around and teasing the people he loved. Though Billy was taken from us too soon, all the questions he had have now turned into answers now that he's by God's side. Billy was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever be cherished by his loved ones.

He is survived by his brother, Gary Franks Jr.; his sisters, Kathy (Neal) Franks (Danny), and Betty Franks; nieces, Reba Fitzsimons (Adam), Tammy Bowman (Colyn), April Roberts, Kaitlyn Franks, Mary Neal, Shelby Neal, Skyla Wood, and a host of great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gary Sr. and Elfreda Franks; as well as his grandparents.

Visitation will be held in the Willis Funeral Service Chapel Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 11 AM to 2 PM with a funeral service to follow at 2 PM. Interment to Pleasant Valley to follow. Officiating will be Michael (Chick) Wolford. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Danny Neal, Adam Fitzsimmons, John Bell, Junior Bell, Cliff Timbs, and Richard Griggs. Those serving as honorary pallbearers will be Shelby Neal, Colton Stephens, nieces, and great-nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made for Billy's funeral expenses.

CDC guidelines will be in place.