Mr. Robert Franklin “Frank” Burks of Hartselle passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at his residence at the age of 89.
Visitation will be Saturday morning March 2, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Peck Funeral Home. His funeral service will be in the chapel at 11:00 AM with Burial following at Hartselle City Cemetery. Pastor Clayton Speed and George Knight will be officiating.
He was born to Oliver and Pearlie Tilley Burks on September 23, 1934 in Cullman County, AL. He was a 1952 graduate of West Point High School in Cullman.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 63 years, Bonnie Burkes; brother, Hayden Burks; sister in law, Martha Burks; brothers in law, Marvin Hale and Hubert Tolbert.
He is survived by daughter, Wanna Fay Reeder (Paul C.); grandson, Robert Daniel Dobbs; sister, Mavis Hale, sister in laws, Betty Lollar and Christine Tolbert and many nieces and nephews.
In his younger days he worked in Michigan for Buick. He started working for the Decatur Daily in 1956. He married the love of his life, Bonnie in 1957and had their daughter in 1958. Frank retired from The Decatur Daily after 58 years. He worked for 3 generations of the Sheltons. He joined First Baptist Church of Hartselle in 1968. He was active in RA’s and worked with the Video, Sound and Lighting system. He continued to be a faithful member until his death. He loved reading and discussing the Bible. Frank loved to bowl, fish, golf and collect coins. He and Bonnie loved to go camping with their camping friends. A favorite trip was to the Nashville Flea Market with friends. He and Bonnie collected antigues. His speciality was lamps and iron skillets.
Frank loved sports. He was a girls softball coach for The Hillbillies. He watched all sports on television, especially Alabama. Frank had a green thumb. His garden was always bountiful and his Early Girl tomatoes were famous. He still insisted on mowing his yard and you could find him riding his Cub Cadet at full speed. Frank loved animals and had a special bond with all the cats and dogs that were a part of his life.
Frank was a musician and played by ear. He was talented on the dulcimer and the keyboard. He loved to eat out. He had an affection for Mexican food, Pigskin BBQ and Dot’s Soul food Restaurant and Oh! Bryan’s. He often called me and told me of the times his ticket was already paid for. The employees of Don Alejo were especially close to him. Frank loved to laugh and loved to tell a good story. He remembered all of his childhood friends and their exploits.
It was hard to find a picture of just Frank. He and Bonnie were always together. During his last days he told his family that he was ready to go to Heaven. It was a beautiful place and Bonnie and his family were waiting to be reunited.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Dobbs, Jeffery Dobbs, Wayne Long, Paul C. Reeder, Kenny Boster and Butch Waldrop.
Honorary pallbearers will be The Sunday School Class of George Knight.
A special thanks to the nurses of Decatur Morgan Hospital, USA Health and Rehab. And Hospice of the Valley.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: First Baptist Church of Hartselle, 210 Woodland Street, Hartselle, AL 35640. Designate the Van Fund.
