Franklin Thomas McElwaney

Franklin Thomas McElwaney, 84, of Crossett, formerly of Tyrone, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at his home.  He was born on November 11, 1940, in Tyrone, Georgia, to his parents, H.L. and Ruby Blaire McElwaney.

Franklin served proudly and honorably in the United States Navy and later owned and operated the Turnwald Plantation dairy farm in Eaton, Georgia. He also worked as a corporate pilot before beginning a career with Georgia Pacific, which brought him to Crossett in 1997 as a Supervisor in the Plywood Plant.

Franklin was a kind and gentle soul with a deep love for classical music and a heart full of generosity. His sharp memory and natural knack for fixing things made him the go-to handyman, always ready to help others, especially at his beloved Meridian Baptist Church, where he attended faithfully.

His adventurous spirit took him and his wife, Hazel, on unforgettable road trips, traveling to 49 states and making treasured memories along the way. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching NASCAR, casting a fishing line, tending to his yard, and spending hours tinkering in his shop.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Hansard and Jane Palmer, and one brother, Danny McElwaney.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 26 years, Hazel Francine Davidson McElwaney; and three daughters, Audra Stephens (Larry) of Madison, GA, Tonia McGlohan (Rodney) of Millen, GA, and Andrea Adams of Monroe, LA; along with three sisters, Carolyn Chastain and Sandra Prince (James) both of Tyrone, GA, and Pam Vaughn of Watkinsville, GA, one brother, Ronald McElwaney (Joy) of Fayetteville, GA; 7 grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 11th at the Meridian Baptist Church, 4593 Ashley 703, in Crossett, with Pastor Doug Hughes, officiating, followed by interment at Hickory Grove Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Andy Tarver, McKinley Tarver, Billy Justice, Rodney Riles, Leroy Lalumandier and Glen Riles. Honorary pallbearers are Alan Jackson and William Simmons.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, March 10th at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett.

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