Franklin M. Foree

Of LaCrosse, Arkansas

Franklin M Foree went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 27, 2025 at the age of 78 years old. Frank passed away at his home with family at his side.

Frank was born at home in Evening Shade on February 23, 1947, to Archie Lee and Genevieve Kinsey Foree. It had snowed during the night before; his mother had always said it looked like "a perfect post card picture night".

He went to school and graduated from Evening Shade in 1966. He was immediately drafted into the army and served for three years, including a tour in the Vietnam War.

After an honorable discharge from the military, he returned home to Evening Shade in September 1969, where his brother, Carlos, introduced Frank to Reta Kaye Wiles. Reta said he was too old to date. They later married on September 2, 1971, by    Reta's father, Noble R. Wiles, even though he always claimed he never proposed.

The happy couple started their life together as college students in Walnut Ridge where they attended the Southern Baptist College. Later, they returned to Evening Shade before moving to Cave City where his two best assets, Franklin Eugene (Genafer) Foree and Misty Michele Scrivner (Justin Webb), were born. Shortly after, they moved to the family farm in Sidney where they raised kids, cattle, and corn for 49 years. (Frank was the Corn King of Izard County, after all.)

Frank and Reta worked hard to build their happily ever after. Frank retired from what was then Pilgrim's Pride after 35 years in the poultry business. Many lifelong friendships were made during his career.

Some of his best memories included hunting and fishing with his five grandchildren: Grayson Scrivner (Allie Lee), Logan Scrivner (Paige Rowton), Raylan Scrivner, Jannalyn Scrivner, and Jasper Foree, and hosting the annual Foree Family Reunion for many years, which brought together his siblings: Nancy Conyers, James Foree, Carlos (Kathy) Foree, and Joann (Mike) Mead, along with their many children and grandchildren. Frank also enjoyed spending time with his mother-in-law: Virginia Dover Wiles and brothers-in-law: Jerry Wiles and the late Gene Wiles, and their families.

Besides farming, Frank was a talented craftsman. He could make anything he could imagine. Frank was well known locally for his beautiful, handcrafted knives. He also loved sharing his world-famous stories with anyone who would listen. He was a master storyteller.

Besides his parents, Frank was preceded in death by one brother, Bobby Lee Foree, and a niece, Angela Parks.

In recent years, Frank happily served and fellowshipped with friends and family at Finley Creek Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Finley Creek Baptist Church, Finley Creek Cemetery fund, or Cedar Glade Baptist Encampment.

Visitation and funeral service will be held at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 30 from 6-8 p.m.   Funeral service will be Thursday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. at the Howard Memorial Funeral Chapel with Steve Stevenson officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at Finley Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Rondal Moser, Brandon Bates, Wesley Scriver, Howard Reynolds, Cash Reynolds, Jonathan Williams, Cody Foree, Jasper Foree.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Military Veterans.