Howell Franks

Howell Franks, age 87, of Tuscaloosa, died June 21 at DCH Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North. A graveside service and burial will follow at Brilliant Memorial Gardens in Brilliant, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday prior to services at the funeral home. Reverend Jeremy Burrage and Reverend James Crawford will officiate the service.

Howell was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Hayden Franks and Vicie Franks, two sisters, Hazel Whitehead and Jessie Lou Goodwin and four brothers, George Arthur, Walter Hill, Dowell and Arelous.

Howell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maudine White Franks of Tuscaloosa; his daughter Jeri Aycoth and her husband Samuel Aycoth of Lake Mary, Florida; his grandsons Alex Aycoth of Edgewater, Florida and Austin Aycoth of Jacksonville, Florida; and by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Howell graduated from Winfield High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation. He served for three years which included a tour in Germany. After his enlistment, he married his best friend and beloved wife, Maudine White Franks. He attended Shelton State Technical College, worked in the automotive mechanics industry and eventually returned to Shelton State and served as an automotive mechanics instructor for over thirty years. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Athens State College.

He was passionate about helping his students, restoring antique cars, working on his farm in Winfield, Alabama and spending time with his family. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.

Pallbearers will be his two grandsons, Alex and Austin Aycoth and nephews Richard Franks, Greg White and Richard Fabsitz.

Honorary pallbearers are neighbors and friends from Glen Iris Lane and Crimson Village, Dr. Ross Vaughn and staff, Dr. William Hill and staff, Shelton State Community College retirees, and friends at Temple Baptist Church, Holt United Methodist Church and Capstone Church.