Franklin Wilbanks

Major Franklin Wilbanks born March 6, 1943 and lifelong resident of Dallas, Georgia passed away peacefully at home surrounded by beloved family on Monday, October 2, 2017 after a prolonged illness.

Franklin was loved and cherished by all who knew him. His peaceful, gentle nature was cornerstone to his character, continuously evoked respect and friendship to and from others all the days of his life. He was fun loving, genuinely earnest and ever patient ever with all those he encountered. He was a devoted fan of Auto racing and a magician with the workings of an automobile with many residents of Dallas and Paulding County knowing Franklin for his mastery as a mechanic. Franklin owned his own business – Wilbanks Garage and later Paulding Service Center for much of his career.

Franklin loved all his friends and entire family, ensuring ever that everyone within his scope was well taken care of and had everything they needed. He was generous, kind and deeply serving to others.

During his life, Franklin was a charter member of the Paulding County Jaycees, The Paulding County Historical Society and served as a Dallas City Councilman for several years. He was also a tireless member of the Paulding County Band Boosters in the 1970’s.

Franklin loved music and sang in the choir at East Hiram Baptist Church where he was an active member.

Franklin Wilbanks is preceded in death by his older brother Donald Wilbanks, his Wife Susan Rainey Wilbanks, Mother Lucy Ragsdale Wilbanks and Father Coney Wilbanks.

Mr. Wilbanks is survived by two sons – David E. Wilbanks (Brad Morris) of Dallas, Georgia and Kenneth F. Wilbanks of Hot Springs, North Carolina. David and Ken’s Mother, Ms. Tina Wilbanks, also resides in Dallas, Georgia; Grandson’s Colburn E. Roberts Wilbanks of Camden, Maine and David Rowland of Dallas, Georgia;; Stepchildren Claudette Rowland, John Pritchard, and Mark and Tracy Hicks, all of Dallas; One Brother, One Sister, and Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

He is also survived by Ms. Linda Hicks of Dallas, Georgia. Ms. Hicks was Franklin’s devoted Life Partner and enduring Friend, joyful through their years together and through the extremes of his illness to the very end.

A better man would be rare to find, Franklin was ever and will ever be held dear and close to the hearts of all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held  Thursday, October 5, 2017, with Sam Clark Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Officiating the Services areBrother Rickey Bice and Brother Tommy Little of Hiram Baptist Church. Interment will follow in New Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery, with Taylor Smith, Calvin Crutchfield, Joe Weathington, Hunter Rakestraw, Roy Camp and Mike Crowe serving as pallbearers.