George L. Franks, 91, of Palm Springs, California, passed away July 2, 2025 in California. He was born May 11, 1934 in Mississippi to parents, Dee and Bytha Franks.
George grew up in Mississippi where he graduated from Marietta Highschool in Marietta, Mississippi. George and Virginia M. Smith were married July 5, 1952. After they married, they moved to Zion, Illinois where they were members of the Zion Church of Christ. George moved to Palm Springs, California in 2012.
George was a man of many talents; a successful food broker who built his own marketing business in the confectionery industry, a man of deep faith, and someone who truly never met a stranger. A true adventurer at heart, George had a passion for aviation, fishing, hunting, and traveling; whether it was exploring the world or hitting the road for a solo trip.
George is survived by his daughter, Regina (Michal) Orawiec; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Kielp, Kimberly Orawiec, and Jason Orawiec; great grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Derek, Lucas, and Lauren; sister, Wetonia (Alton) Howell; brother, Joel Franks; sister-in-law, Patricia Franks; special companion, Sheila Weinberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Virginia M. Franks; parents, Dee and Bytha Franks; brother, Belton Franks; and sister-in-law, Betty Franks.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., a second visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with Evangelist David Padfield, officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL.
Monday, July 14, 2025
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Congdon & Co Funeral Directors
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Congdon & Co Funeral Directors
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Congdon & Co Funeral Directors
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