Thomas Willis Franks, 77, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Saber Healthcare in Matthews, NC.

Mr. Thomas Willis Franks, son of the late Charlie Lee Franks and Janie Mae Franks, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina January 18, 1949. He went home to be with the Lord on April 27, 2026. Thomas, also known as Frank, Tuck, and Papa T. Franks attended West Charlotte High School. He worked at A&P Warehouse and Cunningham where he was a supervisor. He attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Frank was a very giving man who would give his last to anyone in need and some of his nieces and nephews would say that he was the favorite uncle. 

Thomas was preceded in death by his two brothers: Charlie Lee Franks, Jr. and Michael Franks; three sisters, Helen Pharr, Wilma Caraway, and Patricia Jones. He is survived by his wife Pearl Byars; his former spouse Ancala Byars; and their daughters, Chalita Franks and Ancala Lacy Richardson (Paul); stepchildren, Danielle Bowe (Travolta) and Germond Byars; grandchildren, DaQwan Richardson (Nakia), Ariel Franks, Yashira Richardson, Hasan Franks, Isaiah Richardson, Nakhia Franks, Kesean Franks, and Jasias Richardson; step grandchildren, Vadoll Byars, Christian Corier, and Makayla Bowe; multiple great grandchildren; siblings, Dorthy Berry (Tom) and Cynthia Dulin and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, and friends.