My parents celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary

 
Franklin

Rev. and Mrs. Eugene
Franklin of Cowpens, SC
celebrated their 60th
wedding anniversary
December 22, 2011. Mrs.
Franklin is the former
Martha Rice of Caroleen,
NC.

The couple has three
children: Tim and Cindy
Franklin of Lawrenceville,
GA; Deborah and Charlie
Logan of Jacksonville, FL;
and Loretta Franklin of
Boiling Springs, SC.

They have eight
grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren.

Mom and Dad paid to have this announcement printed in their local paper, the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, on the Christmas Day, December 25, 2011 edition.  We are thankful and praise the Lord for sparing their life after the car accident this past July, and that they were able to celebrate another anniversary and Christmas together. 

John Economidis (1919-2011)

Our good friend and teacher from Tennessee Temple passed away on Sunday.  He will be greatly missed, but we know he is in Heaven and we will see him again some day. 

Obit from the Chattanooga News Free Press:

RINGGOLD, GA

John G. Economidis, 91, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in a local health care facility. He received a B.S. Degree from the University of Texas in 1946. In 1963, he received a Master of Divinity from Tennessee Temple University where he served as a professor there from 1965-1997. From 1966-1989, he was Chairman of the Business Department. He received his Doctor of Divinity in 1998. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Economidis, San Angelo, Texas; brothers, Simon Economidis, Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Pete Economidis, San Angelo, Texas; sister, Mary Caragianis, Pine Bluff, Ark.; and a son, Paul Economidis, who died at age nine in 1957.Survivors include his wife, Sophie Economidis; several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be noon Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. David Bouler, the Rev. Bob Circeo, and the Rev. Bruce Howland officiating. Interment in Chattanooga National Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the TITUS International, 1515 McBrian Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412 or the Baptist International Missions, Inc., P.O. Box 9215, Chattanooga, TN 37412.Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family and view the memorial tribute.The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today and after 11 a.m. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

Photos from the Baggett-Franks Reunion 2011

Just wanted to share a couple photos that Susan Blackstock took at our first BAGGETT-FRANKS Reunion in Sheridan AR.   

Some could not be there early and some had to leave early, 

so she took two group photos.  (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

The first one was taken around 2 PM and the second one with all 16 of our immediate family present was taken at the end of the reunion.  

Baggett Family Reunion, August 5th 2011, Sheridan AR

We are looking forward to our first Baggett Family Reunion in a few short weeks, three to be exact.  To date there are about 97 Baggetts and Franks family members who have responded that they will be there.  We are still waiting on word from several more friends and family members all connected through Joe Layton Baggett Sr and Mildred Lorena Franks Baggett, of Pine Bluff AR.    This site is dedicated to the ancestors of my wife and I so I hope to post some pictures in the next month of the reunion.  We are hoping to see all the family there, but we understand many cannot make it.   Cindy's cousin Doug Baggett is getting married the next day in California, so most of the Baggett clan in CA cannot make it.  Uncle Kelsea will be flying in on Weds for the reunion, and then has to fly back to CA on Friday afternoon. We are so glad he can make it for part of the day!   My sons and their families will be driving from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Florida so all 16 of my family will be there.   Cindy's brothers' families all live in Texas and about 17 of those will be driving up for the reunion.  We are so excited to see everyone - all the aunt, uncles, cousins, and distant cousins on the Franks side (Mam-ma's family). 

Tracing Cindy's family history, the Kendricks

Another family photo from the past:  Cindy's Great, Great Grandma Kendrick is pictured with her children.  Mary Catherine Monk Kendrick was born in 1867 and died in 1942 of a stroke. She was married to Jesse Clint Kendrick, who was born in 1859 and died in 1912 of pneumonia.  

The three daughters in back (l-r) are Josie Viola (who was Cindy's Great Grandmother), Gertie, and Myrtie.  Standing to her right is Gussie (Fannie Augusta) and to her left are Pete and Ruby. Mary Catherine was expecting twins at the time of this photo.  

Josie Viola Kendrick would later marry into the Franks family.  Her daughter Mildred Lorena Franks would marry into the Baggett family (Cindy's grandmother was known by all as Mam-Ma)

Tracing the family history of Cindy's dad's ancestors

We recently found and scanned a copy of an old photo of Jesse Clint Kendrick, who was born on July 29, 1859 at Hot Springs, AR. He died at the young age of 52 on Feb. 10, 1912 and is buried at Bear, AR.

Jesse Clint Kendrick was Cindy's Great-Great Grandfather on her father's side of the family. Her grandmother's brother Jesse Gibson (Uncle Bo) Franks was named after Mr. Kendrick. Cindy's Uncle Kelsea Kindrick Baggett was also named for him.  (some of the family spell Kendrick with an "e" and some spell Kindrick with and "i")

Jesse Kendrick of Hot Springs, AR was married to Mary Catherine Monk (born March 30, 1867) of Pine Bluff, AR. One of their daughters, Josie Viola Kendrick, would grow up to marry Zack Atlas Franks.  The Franks had five children:  Marion Atlas (born Dec. 31, 1912), Mildred Lorena (born Jan. 22, 1914), Elsie Eleanora (born July, 10 1917), Olive Josephine (born Jan. 17, 1920) and Jesse Gibson Franks (born Dec. 22, 1924).  

Mildred Lorena Franks would marry Joel Layton Baggett, Sr. (Cindy's grandparents)  on Feb. 9th, 1931.  Mildred (Mam-ma) and Joe (Punkin) had six children: Joel Layton, Jr., Ralph Morris, Kelsea Kindrick, Robbie Kay, Loren David, and Leslie Mark Baggett.   ***Picture above taken in the late 1950's***

Joel Layton Baggett, Jr. would marry Winnifred Marie Richardson on Feb. 28, 1953 and have four children: Cynthia Lee (born Jan. 31, 1954), Samuel Hardy (born June 21, 1958), John Dale (born April 20, 1960) and Carl Layton (born Aug. 15, 1978). 

Jerry Wayne Kirby, Sr. 1955-2010

We were saddened to lose our cousin Jerry Kirby to a long battle with cancer this past weekend.



He and I were the only boy cousins in our generation so I have many memories, good memories, from our childhood. We played "Cowboys and Indians" and "Cops and Robbers" together for hours upon hours; we tried to sing like the Beatles with mops and broom handles for mikes; he was faithful to bring me my homework when we were in 6th grade together while I was sick in bed for about four months; he let me shoot his B-B gun since my parents would not buy me one; he stood up for me when the bullies came around; good memories that make you wish we did not have to grow up, but life goes on...



Many years have past since then, but I am glad we got to see Jerry several times over the past few years; at Christmas Eve parties at cousin Judy's; at birthday parties for my mom and dad. We are sad to see him leave us at such a young age. It reminds me once again that we are only on earth for a short time. We hope to see Jerry again in Heaven some day along with his mother, my Aunt Emily and so many others who have gone before us.



****Click to read Obituary from the newspaper

Jerry Wayne Kirby, Sr. (Obituary from newspaper)

CHESNEE, SC-- Jerry Wayne Kirby, Sr., 55, of 214 Dana Drive, died Saturday, December 4, 2010, at Mary Black Memorial Hospital. Born July 5, 1955, in Spartanburg, he was the son of the late Oren Lee Kirby and Carrie Emily Franklin Kirby Jones. He was formerly employed as a supervisor with Pentex Corporation, attended Buck Creek Baptist Church, and was an avid racing fan.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Lynn Kirby, two sons, Jerry W. Kirby, Jr. and his companion, Ashley Duncan of Chesnee and Jeffrey Smith of the home; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Smith of Spartanburg; four grandchildren; and a sister, Pat F. Brown of Cowpens.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, December 6, 2010, in Daniel Morgan Memorial Gardens. Visitation will follow the service at the graveside.

Memorials may be made to the Jerry W. Kirby, Sr. Memorial Fund, P.O. Drawer 1530, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

The family is at the home of his sister, Pat Brown, 150 Carson Drive, Cowpens, SC.

Baggett Memorial Concrete bench

In honor of Cindy's dad, J.L. Baggett, Jr., who worked in the concrete construction industry, we added a bench to our flower garden this spring. Her brother, John Dale Baggett, also worked in for concrete companies across the country before his death almost five years ago. JL was proud of his work and was the man they called to finish the job, or correct someone's mistake. He was especially proud of his work completing the Denver stadium. (Cindy and her mom, Winnie pictured above)

Rajaan Bennett, local high school athlete

I was deeply saddened to read about the death of a fine young athlete a few weeks ago. As I have read and listened to the news after his death, I have realized this young man was special. At the age of 10, his dad died and he had to become the man of the house. He spent time helping his younger "special needs" brother, and also became a star football player at McEachern High School, while maintaining a high grade point average. He was recruited by several colleges and recently signed to play at Vanderbilt. But that was before the morning of Feb 18th, when he was killed by his mother's ex-boyfriend in the early morning hours. Why? We will never know the answer to that question because his killer then turned the gun on himself. Rajaan Bennett was a special young man, and it seems he affected the lives of all 2000 students at McEachern High. We are left to wonder what his life would have been like, and his mother, sister and brother are left to wonder how they will live without him. There are many articles about Rajaan on AJC.com - here is the link to one about the special memorial service at the high school last week.

Just 8 days before he died, Rajaan turned in a literature assignment -an essay on "Strength". This was published in Sunday's AJC and since I can not find a link to the article, I will post it below:

"Somebody once told me that 'I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me.'(Phillipians 4:13)

Life hasn't been a walk in the park for me, but I'm thankful for the obstacles, hardships, and accomplishments that God has provided for me. If it wasn't for Him, I wouldn't be the Rajaan Bennett that you know today. I wouldn't have things any other way.

Strength is the ability to do or bear things in the state of being strong. In the year 2000, I moved from the streets of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to the suburbs of Powder Springs. A year later, my dad died in a horrible car wreck, and as a 10-year-old, I knew he wasn't coming back. This tragedy rattled me to the core. I felt as if there was no need for me to live. I wanted to be as happy as the kids with dads and moms.

Some days I would wonder - why me? But eventually, I realized that it was my turn to become a man. As I became older, I came to notice that in life you use strength as a blanket to protect you from this cold world.

I am the oldest of three and I have a brother with special needs whom I have to take care of. I have to balance school, sports, friends and family - and it gets so hard, but I push myself. I push myself like a sprinter who is neck and neck with an opponent with 10 meters left. With the strength that I possess, I feel that I'm Hercules.

I matured faster that all my friends - and there will never be a time that I will give up. I may complain, I may refuse, and I may even cry about it, but I know I have to do what I have to do.

I work hard at whatever I do - just for that Man upstairs to smile down on me with the rays of the sun...and they feel so warm. My drive cannot be stopped or even slowed down, because every obstacle has a way around it. Every day I become stronger from the weights physically, the books mentally, and life emotionally.

There is no limit to my strength and at the end of the day, I want to be known as the strongest.

Canadian Brass Trumpeter, Fred Mills

Fred Mills
(Click to view Guest book)
MONROE, Ga. (AP) - University of Georgia music professor Fred Mills, a Grammy nominee who made numerous records as a trumpeter with the Canadian Brass quintet and performed with several orchestras, has died, the school said Tuesday.

He was 74. The university said he was killed Monday night (Sept 7) in a car crash in Walton County, about 45 miles east of Atlanta. UGA officials said Mills was driving to his Athens home from Atlanta's airport after an overseas trip.

Mills joined the university's faculty in 1996. Besides teaching trumpet, he coached a graduate brass quintet, The Bulldog Brass Society. He had attended the Juilliard school of music in New York, where he got his first job offer even before he graduated.

As a trumpeter, the Canada native performed across the globe - from Sweden's Brass Nova to Orquesta Sinfonica de Aguascalientes in Mexico.

In 1961, he was a founding member of the American Symphony Orchestra in New York. He also was pr incipal trumpet for the New York City Opera, and played with the National Art Centre Orchestra in Canada and the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

Mills also recorded more than 40 albums with the Canadian Brass and was nominated for a Grammy award in 1992.

A statement on the Canadian Brass Web site called Mills a "Canadian treasure who changed the world's musical perspective."

The statement also said he "spent over fifty years helping establish the trumpet as a beautiful, lyrical voice amongst solo orchestral instruments."

UGA officials called Mills an "inspiration to all who knew him."

"One of the finest performers and teachers of his generation, he was at the same time a warm and generous colleague and a dear friend." said Dale Monson, director of the music school.

a special person now in Heaven - Dr. J.R.Faulkner

I decided to add this obit to my blog "to those who left their mark" because Dr. Faulkner was one of those special men in our lives. Not only was he the song leader when we attended Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN (during our four years of college.) He was also one of the leaders of Tennessee Temple College and performed our wedding in the chapel of HPBC on June 4th, 1977. We are looking forward to that day when we will see him again in Heaven. The funeral service is at 2pm today and it can be heard online at WDYN.com.
The OBIT from the Chattanooga News-Free Press:

Dr. J.R. Faulkner Jr

Dr. J.R. Faulkner Jr., 95, of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. He was former pastor at Highland Park Baptist Church and past president of Tennessee Temple University.
Dr. J.R. Faulkner was preceded in death by his wife, Magdalene “Matsie” Faulkner.
Survivors include his five sons and their wives, the Rev. Dr. Randy and Connie Faulkner, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Robert and Donna Faulkner, of Chattanooga, the Rev. Paul and Diana Faulkner, of Chattanooga, Peter and Judy Faulkner of Valdosta, Ga., and the Rev. Steve and Judy Faulkner, of Simcoe, Ontario; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and from noon to 2 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2009, at the church with Rev. David Bouler officiating.
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Highland Park Baptist Church, Tennessee Temple University, 1907 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404; Baptist International Missions, 8614 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, TN 37341; or Camp Joy, 1907 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404.
Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.mem.com.

His Biography can be read at www.mem.com(click to read)

remembering Mark Rice

click to view/sign Guest Book

Approximately 8 fire trucks from the Charlotte Fire Dept led the processional to the graveside service.

The funeral service for my cousin Mark Rice was on Friday. It was a celebration of his life and even though we cried a lot, mom and I were honored to be there for this day. The best word to describe the service would be amazing. I have never been to a funeral quite like this one. Mark was a member of the Charlotte Fire Dept and it was truly amazing to see the display of support the firemen gave their "brother" as over 100 firemen walked in to take their seat for the funeral. Then after the family was seated, the Charlotte Fire Dept Pipe Band marched in to begin the service. There were about 10 bagpipers and 8 drummers and they were dressed in Scottish kilts. They played "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" and ended with "Amazing Grace" before marching back out. It was like a scene from a movie, only this was real life. A wave of emotion swept over the audience.

As the two Pastors and the Fire Dept Chaplain spoke to the congregation, it was apparent that they too were moved with emotion this day. It was a sad but happy day as we recognize Mark is now home with God, no more suffering and pain. Mark's Pastor mentioned that the last words from Mark were written on a white board because he could not talk during his last three weeks, "I have never turned my back on Jesus Christ." Mark had also told his mother last week to quit worrying about him and "keep her focus on Jesus." Even in his last days, he was trying to encourage others. The music was very appropriate for the service. I do not know if Mark chose the songs or not. The soloist sang "I Bowed on my Knees and Cried Holy." The congregation sang two hymns, "To God Be the Glory" and "It Is Well With My Soul" and the soloist ended with a medley of songs which included "Sweet Hour of Prayer," "I Need Thee Every Hour," and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." So fitting was this last song.

Mark's testimony was such that he spent his last few months witnessing to everyone he came into contact with. He loved the Lord and he wanted to serve the Lord with all his heart and soul. I am happy to know that Mark is in Heaven now, rejoicing with the Lord and his dad and many others that are already there.

Click to read Obituary


As we approached the entrance to Sharon Memorial Cemetery, a ladder truck was fully extended with a huge American flag.

Darrell Mark Rice (March 3, 1956 - November 17, 2008)

It was just a year ago that my Uncle Jimmy Rice died. This week we were saddened to lose another member of our family when his son, Mark Rice, died after a courageous 6 month battle with cancer. The following obit was posted at the Charlotte Observer:
Darrell Mark Rice

Mr. Rice, 52, of Charlotte, died Monday, November 17, 2008 at his home. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the Worship Center of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. A service to celebrate Mark's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2008 from the Worship Center with The Reverend Dr. Stephen N. Rummage and Reverend John Harrill officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
Mark was born March 3, 1956 in Charlotte, the son of Alva Rice of Charlotte and the late James 'Jimmy' Rice. He was a 1974 graduate of Garinger High School and a veteran of the US Navy. He was a 1984 graduate of LeTourneau College and retired as a Master Sergeant with the NC Air National Guard. Mark served as an Engineer of Engine 29 with the Charlotte Fire Department and was a longtime member of the church he loved, Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
Mark will be remembered for his love of God and as a loving husband, father, and son. He aspired to be a great father and role model for his son, Zach and he was committed to the Golden Rule of 'do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.' Mark enjoyed traveling with his wife, Karen and he looked forward to camping and spending time outdoors and playing sports with Zach. Mark never met a stranger and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his mother, Alva, Mark is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Karen Kerr Rice, their son, Zachary Luke Rice, sisters-in-law, Robin Kerr and Gail Kerr and her husband, Blaine Gregory, and two nieces, Sara Gregory and Emily Gregory, all of Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the family for Zachary Luke Rice or to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215.
Condolence to the family may be offered at www.mem.com. Arrangements by McEwen - Mint Hill Chapel.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 11/20/2008

remembering John

This month we remember Cindy's brother John. He was born on April 20, 1960 and sadly his life was cut short by a drunk driver while working on the job in Orlando just over 2 years ago.

Link to previous post after John's death

James Darrell Rice (September 12, 1930 - November 1, 2007)

My mother's brother Jim died this past week. A lot of people will miss him, most of all his wife of 56 years, Alva and his son Mark and family. We sorrow not as "those who have no hope" because we know we shall see him again in Heaven someday. Cindy and I will travel in the morning and take Mom and Dad to Charlotte for the funeral. view the guestbook

Obituary from the Charlotte Observer:
James Darrell Rice Mr. Rice, 77 of Charlotte died Thursday, November 1, 2007 at the Brian Center. Born in Glen Hendrick, WV on September 12, 1930, Jim was the son of the late John Sherman Rice and Ethel Mae Allen Rice. He served with the US Army during the Korean War and following his discharge moved to Charlotte. Mr. Rice had been employed as a printer with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He retired after 15 years of service. He was an active member of the former Shamrock Drive Baptist Church, where he had served as a deacon and a greeter, a role that fit Jim well, for he was known for his warm and welcoming smile. Mr. Rice took great interest in his grandson attending his sporting events, chapel services and school functions. His wife described him as 'a Godly and faithful man and loving husband and father.' Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alva Hill Rice of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Karen Rice and grandson, Zachary Rice, all of Charlotte; sisters, Louise McDaniel of Jefferson City, TN, and Martha Franklin of Cowpens, SC. The family will receive friends Monday, November 5th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Hickory Grove Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Dr. Mike Jamison and Reverend Stephen Rummage officiating. Interment will take place in Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Grace Crossing Church, POB 44248, Charlotte, NC, 28215 or the Alzheimer's Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC, 28215. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements. Published in the Charlotte Observer from 11/3/2007 - 11/4/2007.

family photo album

We purchased an Epson all-in-one printer/scanner/copier yesterday. Now I can scan all of our old photos we took back in the day. I am posting my first one for the family history blog. This is a photo of a very young Carl with J.L. and Mam-ma Baggett taken in the summer of 1977 on the Galveston Ferry in Texas.