Frank J. Eaton

Franklin Julius Eaton was born March 22, 1937, to the late Homer Lee Eaton and Ruby Graham Eaton, in Morgan County.  He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Bearden Eaton, his three children, Curtis (Joyce), Martha Maddox (Sandy), and Franklin (Stacy). His grandchildren are Matthew and Mary Martha Maddox, Sabrina, Sophia, Sarah, and Susannah Eaton, and Steven Hopper. Surviving siblings include his brother Dwight (Dorothy) Eaton and his sister Linda Eaton Miller.  He was preceded in death by seven siblings.

Frank graduated from Morgan County High School in 1956.  He was a member of the 1955 and 1956 Morgan County High State Championship Football team.  In his senior year, he was voted Most Friendly by his peers.  A gifted athlete, Frank lettered in track, baseball, disc throwing, shot put and football, and won state and regional competitions in several sports. He was also involved in the Future Farmers of America.

Frank married the love of his life Mary Bearden Eaton on February 9, 1957.  They lived in Madison and then moved to the family farm in the Bethany Community and resided there for 55 years. He served with the Army National Guard and worked at the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) in the Testing Department, retiring in 1988 after more than 30 years of service.  Frank also worked in the land surveying business during his tenure with the DOT and after retirement.  He loved life on the farm, where he kept beef cattle and later harvested hay and other grains until he retired from farming at age 80. 

Frank was a faithful lifetime member of Bethany Baptist Church.  He served as Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Missions, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Director of the Youth Group, and various other committees.  

Frank and Mary traveled all over the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Brazil, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Europe.  They enjoyed the beautiful island of Aruba every summer for nearly 20 years with their daughter, Martha, and her family.  Mary and Frank enjoyed traveling with their dear friends, Raymond and Joan Gilbert, and explored Europe and the United States with them.

Frank was well-loved within this community.  Countless family and friends have shared their memories with his family over the past few months.  All enjoyed hearing the stories about hunting, sporting events, fishing, and construction of roads. So many individuals have shared how his Christ-like approach to life was deeply influential in their Christian walks. He will be sorely missed. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 8 from 11 AM until 1 PM at A.E. Carter Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 1 in the chapel.  Interment will follow at the Bethany Cemetery.

Donations may be given to Bethany Baptist Church at 1311 Bethany Church Road, Madison, Georgia 30650 or The Source of Light Ministries, Inc. at 1011 Mission Road in Madison, Georgia 30650.

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