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Submitted: 11/17/14 • Approved: 11/17/14 • Last Updated: 11/20/14 • R1052510-G0-S3
July 25, 1930 - Mar 29, 2013
Obituary
www.couriernews.net
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Dr. Jerry Morris Frankum Jr. of Heber Springs, formerly of Newport, entered the presence of the Lord on this Good Friday, March 29, 2013, at Heber Springs.
He was born July 25, 1930, in Blytheville, the oldest son of Jerry Morris Frankum, Sr. and Betty Bee (Carter) Frankum.
Graduating from Blytheville High School in 1948, Jerry Morris Frankum Jr. set his life's course by beginning his preparation for becoming a physician, first by obtaining his undergraduate degree at Arkansas State College in Jonesboro and then going on to earn his M.D. from the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1962. Dr. Frankum completed his residency in general surgery at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.
Dr. Jerry Frankum, Jr. became acquainted with Miss Amelia Williams in Newport, and they were married at the First United Methodist Church at Newport on Feb. 5, 1967. The couple made their home and were beloved members of Jackson County and surrounding areas for the next 42 years. They raised two daughters, were faithful members of their church, and as a couple and as individuals always gave more of themselves than was ever expected.
During his career, as a family doctor and surgeon, Dr. Frankum was a diplomat of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American Board of Surgery, a member of the Arkansas Medical Association and a member of the American Medical Association.
The First Baptist Church in Newport was the church home of the Frankums during their 40-plus years in Newport. While in Newport, Dr. Frankum served the church as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher and served diligently on numerous committees and projects for the benefit of the church. Dr. and Mrs. Frankum were instrumental in the building of the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Newport. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist College at Walnut Ridge.
Dr. Frankum will be remembered by many as a doctor who genuinely cared about his patients, who was always available, and who worked on Saturdays. Most of all though, he will be remembered as a friend who could always be counted upon and who cannot be replaced. This genuinely Christian man's faith was seen by the way he treated each person to whom his care was entrusted. It mattered not to Dr. Frankum of one's economic status, race or creed. He treated every patient equally. Dr. Frankum served Jackson County and surrounding area patients as a family doctor, surgeon and friend for more than years. The work ethic of Dr. Jerry Frankum was second to none.
Although he retired from the practice of medicine, he never retired from service to the Lord. Known always for his quiet faith, generous spirit and heart for Christ, Dr. Frankum's service to Christ never faded. When he moved to Heber Springs he became a member of the Heber Springs First Baptist Church and served the Lord as his health would allow.
His love and devotion to God was evidenced in every aspect of his life, but none more than the way he loved and adored his family. Dr. Frankum honored and loved the Lord Jesus Christ first, others second, and always himself third. This kind, modest servant of God will be missed by so many but none more than the family whom he loved most dearly on this Earth.
Dr. Frankum was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Amelia Williams Frankum of Heber Springs;
Two daughters, who were his greatest source of pride, Kendrick Frankum Thompson and husband, Tommy, of Memphis, and Dr. Caroline Frankum Carlton and husband, Heath, of Batesville;
Three beloved grandchildren, Sumner Thompson, Lizzie Thompson and Emma Carlton;
A brother, Dr. Charles Frankum and wife, Linda, of Memphis;
A sister, Carol Frankum Ross and husband, Bill of Blytheville; and
A host of other relatives, family and friends too numerous to name.
Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5:30-8 p.m. Monday.
Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Newport First Baptist Church, with interment following at 3 p.m. in Heber Springs Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Marvin D. Thaxton, Dr. Ronald Gore, Harold Erwin, Larry Lewallen, Heath Carlton and Tommy Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are deacons of First Baptist Church and Dr. Frankum's Sunday School Class.
The Frankum family would like to thank the caregivers of Cleburne County Home Health and Hospice and the staff of Seven Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Heber Springs for the wonderful care they provided to their beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Newport, First Baptist Church of Heber Springs or Williams Baptist College.
Arrangements are by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.
Contributed on 11/17/14 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1052510