Earl Franklin Polk, Sr.

On Saturday evening, February 5, 2011, the life of Earl Franklin Polk, Sr. moved from his earthly vessel into the arms of Jesus, his Lord. There he joined his wife of 54 years, Ethel Shriner Polk, and son, Earl Franklin (Frank) Polk, Jr.

Earl is survived by his three daughters, Charlotte Wood and husband Preston of Grayson, GA, Cheryl Hollis and husband Jack of Lake Spivey, GA, and Fran Whitley of Marietta, GA. Also surviving are grandchildren Dennis Wood of Maumelle, AR, Franklin Wood of Atlanta, GA, Allison Ballew of Talking Rock, GA and Emily Whitley of McDonough, GA and great-grandchildren Conner Wood, Slaton Wood, Anne Brown-Goolsby and Erianna Douglas. Earl is also survived by his sister, Katherine Creel, of Fayetteville, GA and his brother, George Polk and wife Ouida, of Dickson, TN.

Earl was born on June 18, 1917 to Grover Cleveland and Ima Kate Dennis Polk. He was a veteran of WWII having served with the US Navy in the South Pacific theater as a radio/radar technician aboard the Destroyer Escort #265, the USS Cloues. After discharge Earl and Ethel settled in Decatur, Ga. Together they united with the Columbia Drive Baptist Church and continued serving faithfully in many capacities during the life of that congregation. Earl was retired from the United States Postal Service.

A graveside memorial service is planned for 11:30a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at the Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Stockbridge, GA. The Rev. Jonathan Chapman will officiate. Following the service, a time of visitation and reception will take place in the cemetery's Community Room. In lieu of flowers, thank you for making donations to the in memory of Earl F. Polk.