Joseph 'Joe' Franklin Rooks

Hortense- Joseph "Joe" Franklin Rooks, 76 of Hortense, passed away Sunday (August 30, 2015) at his residence following an extended illness. Born in Waynesville, GA., his parents are Henry Clayton Rooks, of Gardi and the late Vinter Clara Gibson Rooks. He was also preceded in death by his wife and sweetheart of 54 years, Martha Evelyn Dailey Rooks. Joe served in the United States Air Force and worked many years as a Route Driver for Derest Baking Co. He attended Trinity Church of the Nazarene and loved praising the Lord and going to church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening ,and loved his family dearly. Survivors include his son, Darryl C. Rooks, of Waynesville; 3 daughters and a son-in-law, Cheryl Lewis, of Hortense, Donna Dowler (John), of Hoboken, Genora McElroy, of Hortense; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and one on the way; his father and stepmother, Henry Clayton Rooks (Inee), of Gardi; 4 brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerome Rooks (Sarah), of Brunswick, Roy Rooks (Barbara), of Claxton, Glenn Rooks (Pat), of Hortense, Lonnie Rooks, also of Hortense; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda Lee (Cliff), Glenda Patterson (Donald) all of Hortense; and his special hunting buddy, Jordan Melton. Also several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be Wednesday (September 2, 2015) from 6-8PM at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. A Funeral Service will be Thursday (September 3, 2015) at 11AM at Trinity Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Donald Patterson, Rev. Joey Taylor, and Rev. Hinton Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Jordan Melton, Leslie Rooks, Leon Rooks, Joby Walker, Mike Ray, and John Dowler. Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online registry at fryefh.com.