Benjamin Franklin Rabitsch of Millen, age 80, passed away Monday October 8, 2012 at MCG Hospital after a short illness.

Franklin was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-four years Doris Lewis Rabitsch who passed away in 2009 and a son Benjamin Franklin "Benjy" Rabitsch Jr., who passed away in 1982.

Franklin was a 1951 graduate of Millen High School, a past member of the Millen Rotary Club, a former Boy Scout Scoutmaster and a former Jenkins County Fund Chairman for the American Red Cross. Except for military service in the U.S. Air Force he lived almost his entire life in Jenkins County. During his early years Franklin made his living as a farmer, electrician, Millen Police Department officer, photographer and private investigator. From 1972 to 1982 he was the Millen Office Manager for U.S. Congressman Ronald "Bo" Ginn. He then worked in the Engineering Department at Rusco Building Products in Millen. In 1985 Franklin founded Evergreen Products and served as President and CEO until his retirement in 2011.

His lifelong interests included flying, photography, traditional country and bluegrass music, playing music and fishing.

Franklin is survived by his two sons Steve and Greg both of Millen, and numerous family members.

Special friends include Herb Reichelt, Deborah Bennett, Vickie Adams and new friends Annette and Rhonda at Optim Millen Physical Therapy.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday at the Millen Baptist Church with Rev. Maurice Crowder officiating. Entombment will follow in the Millen Cemetery.

He is survived by his two sons, Steve Rabitsch and Greg Rabitsch both of Millen.

Pallbearers will be Robert Oglesby, Buddy Saxon, Ronnie Fleming, Mike Reeves, Ed Fuller, John Jackson, and Matt Wallace.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ivey McMillan, Kyle Gay, Bobby Dwelle, Charles Bragg, Stephen Cannon, and Earl Dabbs.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday at Crowe-Fields Funeral Home.