Franklin Leroy "Sonny" Criswell

Franklin Leroy "Sonny" Criswell, 81, of McComb, passed away on April 18, 2026 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 22, from 12-Noon until funeral services at 2PM at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home. Rev. Jerry Terrell did officiate and burial was in the Holmesville Cemetery. Sonny was born in Mississippi on February 11, 1945. He was preceded in death by his mother, Berney Mitchell; his father, William Robert Criswell; his son, Robert Criswell; and his brothers James Jackson and Marvin Rayborn. He is survived by his sons Jonathan "Cody" Criswell (Sarah) and Franklin L. Criswell, Jr. (DeeDee); his daughter, Kathryn Wickstorm (Guy); and his 4 sisters Nadine Pine (Thomas), Debbie Barnes (Paul), Kaye Ward (Bobby), and Marsha Lamkin (Butch). He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Sonny was known for his sense of humor and his love of making others laugh. His favorite saying was, "You'll be like me one day... just keep waking up. He enjoyed old, loud country music, especially Waylon Jennings, watching drag races, and watching old westerns while relaxing with a drink. He had a soft heart for animals, especially his dogs and his cats, often sharing whatever he had with them. Sonny proudly served in the U.S. Army in the 1960's. He will be deeply loved and missed by all who knew him. Pallbearers were Andy Hutson "Boss Man", Richard Haraughty, Drew Haraughty, Daniel Easterly "BB", B.J. Chapman "Bill", and Jamie LeBlanc. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement.