O.A. "Buddy" Franks Jr.
O.A. “Buddy” Franks Jr., the chairman of the Southern Arkansas University board of trustees, died Monday morning at his home in Magnolia, the university announced Tuesday.
“We are shocked by the news of Mr. Franks’ passing,” SAU President Trey Berry said. “Mr. Franks had such a true love for SAU and we will miss his wise counsel and unwavering support for the University and its people. Kathy and I feel such a personal loss today in many ways. Please keep the Franks’ family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
Internment is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday at Magnolia Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the SAU Foundation or to the First United Methodist Church of Magnolia.
Gov. Mike Beebe appointed Franks to the board in 2012 to fill the remaining two years of a term vacated by Jack Harrington. Franks became chairman of the board on May 7.
Franks led the SAU presidential search that hired Berry last spring. Franks was also on hand to unveil the David F. Rankin College of Business, which was named for the university’s previous president.
Franks is a 1954 graduate of SAU, and he spent 14 years at the First National Bank of Magnolia before becoming a commissioned agent with Mobil Oil Co. His career in oil and gas distribution spanned more than four decades, the university said.
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