Thomas Harold Franks

In Loving Memory of Thomas Harold Franks

Thomas Harold Franks, 61, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026. He was born on March 15, 1965, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to Harold Raymond and Marilyn Ann Franks. Tom was a man of Christian faith who lived his life with a generous heart, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to help others.

Tom graduated from Denison High School with the Class of 1983. He continued his education for one year at Grayson County College, where he studied Microsoft Systems Engineering and minored in Computer Training.

Tom spent 20 years working for Verizon Data Services before continuing his career with Inserso Corporation, where he worked as a contractor for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for three years.

Tom was a true woodworker and loved building things with his hands. In January 2024, he turned his passion into a business when he opened T&T Woodwork. Through his business, he created wooden signs, cabinets, animal feeders, and many other custom pieces for his customers. There was very little Tom couldn’t figure out how to build. Most recently, he rebuilt the family’s front porch and added a garage and second story to their home.

Tom also loved riding. Every couple of days, he would head out for a few hours simply to enjoy the ride and feel the wind in his hair. He cherished spending time with his wife and daughter and especially enjoyed talking with his daughter, Troi Ann, about their shared love of construction and building.

Tom met his wife, Tina, while they were both employed at Verizon around December 2002. Their relationship began on June 8, 2003, when they shared their first family date, where Tom introduced Tina to his daughter, Troi Ann. In 2004, Tom and Tina purchased a home together in Melissa, Texas. On May 28, 2016, they were married in a beautiful backyard garden ceremony. Together, Tom and Tina shared 23 beautiful years of love and life.

Tom was incredibly proud of his daughter, Troi Ann, who also developed a passion for home construction and owns a painting business with a business partner. Tom and Troi Ann spoke daily, and he loved hearing about her projects and discussing her work with her. He took great pride in knowing that she shared some of the same interests that had meant so much to him throughout his life.

Tom also shared a special bond with his father, Harold. The two enjoyed tearing down engines and repairing them together in the barn, with Harold either lending a helping hand or providing the technical knowledge Tom needed. Those times together were a treasured part of Tom’s life.

Tom was a gentle giant who was sometimes misunderstood because of his size and deep voice, but those who truly knew him saw the kind and caring man he was. His laughter and jokes could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He had one of the biggest hearts imaginable and would gladly help anyone who needed him. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, creativity, and the countless things he built—not only with his hands, but also in the lives of those he loved.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Tina Ball; daughter, Troi Ann Franks; sister, Teresa Franks; sister-in-law, Terri Franks; nephews, Nathan Franks and Ryan Franks; great-niece, Naomi Jane Franks; and great-nephew, Maverick Paul Franks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Raymond and Marilyn Ann Franks, and his brother, Paul Raymond Franks.

Tom will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison, Texas 75020.