Gene Franks

Gene Franks, 84, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence while surrounded by his family.

A native of Henderson County, he was a son of the late Willard Church and Jewell Franks Harwood. He was also preceded in death by his previous wife, Dixie Lee Franks; son, Christopher Franks; brothers: Jimmy Raines and wife Linda, Marvin Raines, Kenneth Raines, and Danny Raines; and brother-in-law, David Camby.

Gene opened Franks Painting Service in 1969. During his career he painted almost every building in the Asheville area until his retirement in 2019. He was well known for his exceptional attention to detail and his strong work ethics. In his free time, he enjoyed NASCAR and watching his grandsons race. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Junior Franks (Joanna), Sissy Holcombe (Henry), and Sharon Leicht (Andy); grandchildren: Lindsay Edwards and husband Robbie, Taylor Shope and husband Colby, Kevin Leicht, Matt Leicht and wife Bella, Zack Franks, Nathan Franks, and Stephanie Harwood and husband Robin; great-grandchildren: Emaleigh, Jackson, Marleigh, Raegan, Konner, Lainey, Levi, Nico, Rilynn, Ivy, and one on the way, Laiken; brother, Johnny Raines; sisters: Clara Lawrence and husband Charles, Mary Lou Camby, and Joann Lunsford and husband James; special friend, Dena Peek; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in the Chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Pastor Allen Rash officiating. Burial will follow at the Penland Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Leicht, Matt Leicht, Zack Franks, Nathan Franks, Scott Raines, and Bryan Raines.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM on Monday at the funeral home. He will also lie in state Tuesday morning until the service hour at the funeral home.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Franks family.