House Resolution 90

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOE MICHAEL FRANKS OF CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, on Monday, December 31, 2012, the City of Corinth and northeast Mississippi sadly lost one of its shining stars when Joe Michael Franks passed away at his home after a courageous battle with cancer; and

WHEREAS, born on June 5, 1959, to the late Joe Hardin and Mattie Thornton Franks, Joe Franks, well-known throughout the region for his unparalleled community volunteerism, grew up in Corinth and graduated from Corinth High School in 1977; and

WHEREAS, a natural leader who possessed a keen understanding of the downtown community and a relentless desire to help it achieve its best, Joe Franks was an electrician for IBEW local 852 and the co-owner of OfficePRO, a successful business supply store that he and longtime friend and business partner John D. Mercier opened in Corinth on June 1, 1992; and

WHEREAS, Joe Franks, always positive and enthusiastic, selflessly volunteered countless hours toward bettering his community through his diligent service on various boards such as the Crossroads Arena Board and the Main Street Corinth Association Board of Directors, where his tireless efforts, including hours spent lining up the very best entertainment for the Slugburger and Hog Wild Festivals, helped earn him the Jim Bynum Award for outstanding service to Main Street Corinth; and

WHEREAS, also an active member of the Corinth Kiwanis, Joe Franks served as president of the local club and was fittingly honored for his leadership and steadfast commitment to the organization's mission by being named Kiwanian of the Year and a Leon Frazier Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Joe Franks, a die-hard Tennessee Titans fan, whose deep desire to always bring happiness to others knew no end, was a fun and entertaining DJ for many local school dances as well as an avid barbecue chef who cooked throughout the community and attended many barbecue competitions; and

WHEREAS, a kind man of great faith in God, the community-minded Joe Franks cared deeply for his beloved hometown of Corinth and accomplished more in his all-too-brief 53 years than many ever hope to achieve in a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, since his death, Joe Franks has been fondly remembered with countless glowing and well-deserved tributes by friends and colleagues who have so aptly described Joe with affectionate testimonials such as, "Joe was a super person who put others before himself," and "He was a man who had hundreds of best friends because all of his friends were his best friends."; and

WHEREAS, Joe Franks, whose legacy of volunteerism lives on today in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him best as well as the countless lives he unknowingly impacted with his generous and caring spirit and energy and enthusiasm for bettering his community, is lovingly survived by: his wife, Sharon Patrick Franks; a daughter, Erin Grier Moss and her husband, Jeremy; a son, Zack Grier and Krystal and Audrey; and grandchildren, Brynn and Presley Moss; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend outstanding Mississippians such as Joe Michael Franks, whose exemplary life of selfless volunteer service to other individuals and his entire community may serve as a model to which all may aspire:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of community volunteerism of Joe Michael Franks of Corinth, Mississippi, and extend deepest sympathy to his family and many friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Joe Michael Franks, OfficePRO of Corinth, Mississippi, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.