Larry Keith Franks - Renaissance Man

Larry Keith Franks, of Memphis, Tennessee was born March 10, 1944. Larry was a true Renaissance man with many passions. For 32 years Larry was the treasurer of nexAir, a privately owned distributor of gases and welding supplies in the United States. After retiring from nexAir, he started a successful CPA practice. He performed company valuations and private accounting work. He was a graduate of The University of Memphis. 

Larry was a gourmet cook extraordinaire, often seen with a kitchen towel flung over his shoulder as he prepared delicious meals for family and friends. 

He was a terrific dancer with boundless energy. He would have music of various genres playing and always invited everyone to come dance with him in his living room. Leonard Cohen was his favorite singer, composer and poet. 

Larry was an avid fisherman. Many of his favorite fishing spots were on the White River in Arkansas. He loved to fly fish and could be seen in his waders fishing on the River in Cotter, Arkansas. 

Larry was a Golden Glove Champion when he was a teenager. In his mid sixties he began another passion, KRAV MAGA, a defensive fighting and fitness system. He attained a level 2 designation in Krav Maga, while being one of the oldest and revered people in the classes.

Larry was a snappy dresser and had earned the title of Best Dressed in The Overton High School 1962 Annual. He especially loved nice shoes, always polishing them, always ready for a dance, or hike or a walk in Overton Park with his dog, Everly ("Evie").

Larry was a lifelong Memphian, who loved the energy of the city and its history. He loved his 104-year-old Central Gardens home where he lived for 50+ years. He loved conversing about the history of his home, Memphis, and all of the US Presidents. He could name them all in order and the dates and accomplishments of each President. 

He was also a British Sports car enthusiast and owned several Triumphs with which he enjoyed tinkering. 

Larry died on February 4, 2018 in Memphis.  He was buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis.  Larry's spirit will always reside in our hearts! And Larry, wherever you are, you are loved and we hope you DANCE!!! Peace and Godspeed! 

THE LINEAGE:

(Larry Keith Franks was the son of Herman Ray and Mallie Louise Bridges Franks, grandson of Percy Dillard and Edna Pearl Thomas Bridges, and great-grandson of Mark Dale and Mallie Mae Lancaster Bridges.  Mark Dale was the fifth child of Cullen Thomas and Martha Virginia Thomas Bridges.  Cullen was the twelfth child of William and Mary Thomas Bridges.  William was the fourth child of Drury and Charity Cohoon Bridges.  Mary Thomas was the fifth child of James and Mary Standley Thomas.)