Clem Bernard Franks burst on the scene on August 4, 1956 in the sparkling city of Livingston, Texas. His family moved from East Texas to the Metropolitan City of Houston, Texas. He was one of three boys and one sister. His mother was instrumental in his upbringing; she taught him the value of life, and surviving in tough times through the Lord. She taught him how to cook, clean, and to live off what’s available in the house (make ends meet) to make it. She would take us to church at an early age to worship and Sunday School to learn of God. He was also baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He attended Dogan Elementary, where he became best friends with (Joseph Sherman) as of today 57 years. He also attended Ryan Elementary, and J.C. McDade Elementary. After, leaving McDade Elementary, he attended Francis Scott Key Jr. High, where he started his athletic career in football and basketball. In football he played defensive end and in basketball he played forward.
After Junior High graduation, he attended Kashmere Senior High School – Mighty Rams. He was a member of the Student Council, football and basketball teams. He played on the varsity football team as a freshman (kicker and punter with shoe off) coached by Johnny B. Felder. He played three years on varsity and was chosen as one of the team captains his senior season. He made All-District and All City (HISD) in football 1974. Also, while playing basketball with the Kashmere Rams, in 1974 the basketball team won their first state basketball championship. He played with the basketball team the first half of the season but he graduated midterm.
He was offered many scholarships, but he chose a four-year scholarship to Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. He started his college football in 1974 at Texas A&I University as a wide receiver and punter. He lettered four years and made All Lone Star Conference first team in 1976-1977. His team compiled one of the best records in the nation by winning three National Championships with an impressive record of 46-1-1. They were offered a chance to play in Hawaii twice, Monterey, Mexico, and a five-game tour in Europe (Paris, France, Vienna, Austria, and Berlin, Nuremberg, Mannheim and Germany.) His football teams’ class of 1974, 1975 and 1976 were inducted in the Texas A&I football Hall of Fame. Clem was voted a member of Texas A&I University team of the decade. While at Texas A&I University, Clem pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Clem received a call from the NFL to try out with the Dallas Cowboys and signed a free agent running back contract in 1978, unfortunate he got hurt in training camp and was unable to make the team.
After the pro-career didn’t work out he went back to school at Texas A&I University and was hired as Graduate Assistant. (Recruiting) He finished his college degree with a Bachelor of Science degree and moved back to Houston, Texas after proposing to his college sweetheart Alice Abbott. She said, yes and they got married and moved to Angleton, Texas where they presently reside. They have two sons, Micah and Terrence Franks with their 40 years married. Clem was active as a Dad and Father coaching his sons Little League baseball team, basketball team, and Pee Wee football teams. They won two Super Bowls at Pee Wee football level. He is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor, Rev. Gerald R. Holland. Clem is an ordained deacon at First Missionary Baptist Church in Angleton, Texas. He teaches Sunday School, a member of the Laymen Brotherhood and Seniors on the Move Fellowship Group. He is also a youth counselor for his church. Clem was employed for Pennzoil Oil Company as a driver in sales and marketing for 31 years. After retiring from Pennzoil Oil Company, he decided to join the work force at Shin-Tec (Excel) plant in Freeport, Texas. His coaches were his greatest motivators such as Coach Johnny Felder in football and Coach Weldon Drew in basketball.
As a student athlete at Kashmere High School, they taught him that, when you’re down, don’t give up, fight and persevere until the end. It isn’t over until it’s over! I will always remember our legendary Coach Johnny B. Felder famous saying “Let the Blood Flow”
Philippians: 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.
