Franklin (Frank) E. Wicker

Franklin Elbert Wicker born in Greene County on August 8, 1933 and passed away at Belle Meade Nursing Center on August 15, 2010. He was a member of Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church since 1968. He was raised in the Fontaine Community and served in the Army during the Korean War Era, 1953-55. He worked at Ed White Shoe Factory and Formost Dairy prior to opening Paragould’s First Athletic Sporting Goods Store in November 1974, “All-Star Sporting Goods” which he and Aletta owned until 1998. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Henry Cleave Wicker and Mamie Shamley Wicker; sisters, Rachel Killian, Julie Gambill and Dolly Wicker; brother Denver Wicker and half sister Delmar Smith and son-in-law, Danny Alvin Leisure. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Aletta Ruth Wicker of the home, son, Jerry Glen Wicker (Patty) of Maumelle, AR; daughters, Debbie Leisure of Paragould, Pam Diggs (Franklin) of Paragould, Cindy Tucker (Don) of Conway;brother, Cecil “Pete” Wicker of Hoxie, AR. Grandchildren, Brian Wicker, Josh Mitchell, Sarah Followell, Brandy Moody, Shae Murphy, Jessica Paul, Geoff Tucker, Jade Price and Jared Price. Great Grandchildren, Lacey and Jonathan Followell, Colton and Chloe Thomason, Kayla Wicker, Katelyn, Jacob and Jacklynn Price, Haley Murphy and a host of nieces and nephews, Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6-9 at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church with Revs. Michael Sutton and Wayne Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Loredo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Henry Payne, Melvin Kirkland, Charles Hesselbein, Jerry Jernigan, Charlie Harper, Joe Robinson, George Trail and Dr. Ken Toneymon. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Brian Wicker, Josh Mitchell, Geoff Tucker, Jade Price, Jared Price, Derrick Followell, Jeff Murphy and Wilson Paul. Memorials may be given to Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church. To sign the online register go to www.heathfuneralhome.com