Charles Robert Franks, Sr.

Charles Robert Franks Sr (Charlie) passed away on October 7, 2023 in Wilmington NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Ramona Eubanks Franks; his son Charles R Franks Jr; and his infant daughter Tonya Joy Franks.

He is survived by his older brother John W. Franks (Mary) of GA; son John R. Page (Esma) of FL; son Anthony S. Franks (Mary) and grandchildren, Joshua (Rachael), Adam, and Trevor (Regan Carr); daughter-in-law Theresa Franks and grandchildren Emma Franks and Sabrey Franks Ball (Doug). He also had 2 great grandchildren Reece and Oaklyn Franks (Trevor); stepson Joey Eubanks (Karen) of FL and grandchildren Kristy Eubanks Symes (C.J.) of UT and Joseph Eubanks of NV; stepdaughter Kitty Eubanks Besherse (Wade) of FL and granddaughter Ashley Taliaferro (Duane) of FL and great granddaughter Kallie; stepdaughter Julia Eubanks Marsh (Robert) of SC.

Bobby, as he was called in his youth, was born to John Roy Franks and Caroline Fleet Franks of FL on July 6, 1935. His older siblings were Marjorie Franks Wilkins, Virginia Franks, and John William Franks. The family moved throughout the southeast because of his father's job with the railroad.

His half brother Richard Nichols Franks and half sister Lola Katherine Franks Thomas, both of AL, preceded him in death.

After graduating New Hanover High School Class of 1953, he worked for the railroad for several years before joining the Navy.

Charlie was a career Naval man as a Naval Aviator or Airdale on P3 fighters retiring as a Master Chief. He was hired by Lockheed Martin to be part of The Skunk Works, a top secret division working on the Stealth Fighter program. He was part of many other top secret programs. These assignments took him to many places, one of which was Area 51 where he would be taken by unmarked plane for the week and then delivered home. He used to smile and say "I can't tell ya what I do, I'd have to kill ya". His top secret clearance took he and his wife Ramona all over the country from Burbank CA to Las Vegas, New York, Maryland, Hawaii, Adak AK, and San Diego CA. When he retired after another full career, he was hired by another Naval contractor, Eagle Systems, where he consulted for the PC Fighter program. This position brought him back to his beloved Carolinas. He and Ramona settled in Simpsonville SC until her death in 2015. This prompted him to return to his childhood home of Wilmington NC where he resided until his passing.Contributed by Joey Eubanks.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington NC on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 with a Funeral Service starting at 12:00 pm followed by the burial at the family plot in Oakdale Cemetery.

A special thanks to Sabrey Franks Ball for all her family research.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Franks, family.