Gary Raymond Franken

Gary Raymond Franken died peacefully in High Point Hospice House in High Point on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the age of 77.

Gary is survived by his wife Frances Elaine Ollis Franken, brother Ernest Lloyd Franken and wife Frances Lincoln Franken of Williamsburg, VA, daughter Michele Rae Franken and husband John W. Lasher III of Greensboro, and son Shaun Daniel Franken of Little River, South Carolina.  Gary has a niece, Rona Lynn Lucas and husband, Rodney and children Christien, Ayden, and Austin of Virginia.  Gary has several grandchildren:  Tasha Renee Furr of High Point, Shaun Dylan Franken and Michael Logan Franken of Little River, SC, and Marnie Gage Lasher of Greensboro.  Gary also has a great-grandson, William Dennis Franken of Little River, South Carolina.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gary Richard Ollis and wife Elaine Howard Ollis of High Point and their sons Robert Ollis and Aaron Ollis of High Point. John R. Ollis and wife Nell Ollis of Heathsville, VA   He is preceded in death by his parents Henry Franken and Geraldine Mae Beale Franken of Arizona, his niece Paula Jean Miller of Newport News, VA, and nephew Henry Howard Franken of Williamsburg, VA.

Gary was born on December 19, 1940 in Newport News, Virginia. He graduated from Frederick College in 1963 with a degree in Business. He also served honorably in the US Army and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before his discharge in 1967.  He married Kathryn Rae Linehan of Hampton, Virginia in 1968 and had two children, Michele and Shaun.  He later met and married Frances Elaine Ollis of High Point, North Carolina.  He was a computer programmer by trade and worked at several large companies over the years.  He was very active in his church, Harvest World Outreach Church in Greensboro where he served as a greeter and also in the Children’s Ministry.  Gary had a true joy of life, enjoying time bowling and playing in a couple of bridge groups locally.  He lived for his children and grandchildren and was so full of life, always ready to enjoy time with any grandchild.  He loved the coast and also spending time at Disney World.   

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 25, 2018 from 5-7 pm.  The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Harvest World Outreach Church.  The Reverend Lavin Burcham will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests monetary and physical donations be made to either Hospice House of High Point or Hospice of the Piedmont in Gary’s name.  Condolences may be sent to 512 Powell Way, Archdale, North Carolina, 27263.

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