Dr. Neal Edward Franks was born July 24, 1936 in the northeastern Ohio town of Hartville, and passed on November 17, 2025 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife Betty, his bride of 67 years, as well as his brother Tim (Mary) children Kent (Kristine) and Kathryn (Nick Haddad). He had four grandchildren: Olivia, Theo, Helen and Owen.
He is preceded in death by his Father Paul Carper Franks, mother Helen White Franks, brother Jim, and sister Pam.
Neal, was a proud Graduate of Manchester College (Indiana) and The Ohio State University where he earned his Doctorate degree in Organic Chemistry. His passion for Ohio State football, their world class marching band, and the university as a whole have been passed down through the generations of his family. Many fall Saturdays were filled with cheers for the Scarlet & Grey.
His work in the textile industry during his years in Enka, NC earned him the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists prestigious Henry E. Millson Award in 2003, for his lead role in the invention of Lyocell (Tencel) fiber. Neal’s career in the textile and then paper industry saw he and his family living in many locations, over the years, including Cincinnati, OH, Enka, NC, Suffern, NY, Houston, TX, Newtown, CT, and Raleigh, NC.
He was a gentle soul and would often whistle aloud as he did his yard work on the weekends. As an avid gardener, he provided many satisfying and nourishing meals for his family and friends. Once he learned to outsmart the raccoons that raided his corn crop, his sweet corn was the family’s favorite.
He and Betty were always stalwart and active members of the churches they belonged to in the many locales where they lived, most recently Wake Forest Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Neal developed a passion for band music in his preteen years that saw him use the proceeds from a cow he raised, to purchase a beautiful cornet he then played in marching band. Reviving this passion in his retirement, he purchased a used tuba and taught himself to play. His new tuba skills were showcased in several local ensembles, most notably playing Christmas carols at Raleigh-Durham Airport baggage claim as part of what he affectionately called his “geezer” band.
A good man, Neal will be affectionately remembered for his wry humor and gentle nature, and for quietly getting things done.
