Raymond "Ray" Franks

On February 20, 2025, after an unexpected squirrelly ride, Raymond “Ray” Franks reached the finish line and pulled his final parachute.  Others may say he hit a walk-off grand slam, hit that red Triple 7 Jackpot or finally made that perfect Grade A casting.  In the end, it was time to rest.

Ray was born on December 30, 1953 to Clifford and Arlene (Simonton) Franks.  He grew up and lived in New Carlisle, Ohio and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1972.  Ray was a lifelong advocate of the Clark County JVS programs, and he was very proud of the machine trades education he had from JVS which provided a great foundation for every dream he moved forward to achieve.

He is survived by his wife and devoted love of 53 years Linda, and his proudest accomplishments, his children: Stephanie (Allen) Partlow, Crystal (Mike) Green, and Shawn (Misty) Franks; grandchildren: Zachary, Tiffany, Abigail, Caitlin, James, Joseph (Mya), Nicholas, Tyler, Ryan, and Alexis; great-grandchildren: TJ and Jaylynn.

Having a slew of brothers and sisters was always a highlight to Ray.  He enjoyed having all his family surrounding him and he will be sorely missed by them all.  He is survived by his siblings Clifford (Fran) Franks, Arlene Harrell, Richard (Kathy) Franks as well as several nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Ellen Phillips, younger brother John Franks and brother in-law Kenneth Harrell.

Ray was an active man whose various interests impacted both his family and those around him. Ray was a beacon of light that reached so many people.  His smile, kindness, and charisma captivated everyone instantly.  He was generous and encouraged everyone he met to believe in themselves and grow to their fullest potential.

Ray was an advocate for the great American pastime of baseball.  From playing sandlot as a child to coaching his grandchildren, and participating in an adult baseball league, he continuously encouraged people to play the sport. He often spoke of working with the neighborhood kids to build a baseball field behind Westlake Elementary.  He aimed to ensure that every child had the opportunity to participate and provided the necessary support to achieve this goal.  One of his proudest accomplishments was managing his childhood ballfield in New Carlisle (now known as Gastineau Field).  He took pride in its upkeep and enjoyed using it for the adult league.

His largest passion was engineering.  As a self-taught, and self-motivated individual, Ray founded and grew several companies, including foundries, race teams and aftermarket automotive product businesses.  His innovative problem-solving skills and creativity were unparalleled. Anyone willing to join him in his thought process and problem solving was offered a spot at the table to grow and develop.

Ray enjoyed NHRA drag racing, with a career that started in 1973.  Starting out in the sportsman ranks, moving through Super Gas and eventually to the professional level with his Pro Stock team.  Ray is a member of the Holley 6 second club, and the 200-mph club for NHRA Pro Stock.  Throughout this time, he invented several new products to support the racing industry, and revolutionized as-cast cylinder heads and manifolds, bringing his love of engineering into one of his favorite pastimes.

Visitation will begin Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00am at the same location, followed by a burial at New Carlisle Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.trostelchapman.com.