Franklin George Bivins

Franklin George Bivins was born on Friday, November 22, 1946, in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia to the parentage of Bert Bivins, Jr. and Hester Newberry Bivins. He was the fourth child born to this union. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings:  Sidney Bivins, Larry Bivins, and Shirley Bivins Johnson.

Diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age, Frank refused to let his condition define him. He was a resilient individual, characterized by an adventurous spirit, independence, and sharp wit. He was accustomed to venturing beyond boundaries that his mother had set during his youth. His siblings remembered him displaying his daring nature on the high diving board at the local swimming pool. He also loved to sing with his brothers.

Frank attended the Bibb County Public Schools and graduated from Ballard Hudson High School in the mid-sixties. As a standout athlete, he earned the nickname "Stonewall" during his time at Ballard Hudson, where he excelled as a football star. His athletic prowess continued at Fort Valley State College, where he played collegiate football. During his senior year at college, a friend invited him to join him in a business venture in Michigan. He was a walk-on player for the NFL Detroit Lions team after relocating to Michigan.

Frank's life in Michigan embodied total independence from his family of origin, while maintaining regular communication. He assumed various roles including father, husband, and former member of the Jehovah's Witness faith. His extraordinary warmth and captivating charm sparked a powerful connection that enabled him to build an exceptional network of cherished friends and professional relationships.

His professional endeavors included tenure at General Motors, Proprietor of Bivins Pork and Beef Bar-B-Q Sauce, and service as a Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA) with the state of Michigan, culminating in retirement after many years in 2022.

A strong work ethic was instrumental in his success, cultivated through part-time jobs held by Frank and his older siblings. To support their mother, the sole caregiver for their family of seven children, they worked at Fincher's Barbecue Restaurant after school, on weekends, and during summer breaks.

That experience instilled in him a passion for cooking and hospitality.  Through this endeavor, he discovered the secret to his renowned barbecue sauce recipe. His sauce was widely praised for its delectable flavor that many scribed as "irresistible;" and a taste that said, "Mercy." Frank's sauce was ributed in multiple states and Canada.

Frank maintained a deep affection for his mother, Hester, and expressed his desire to be returned to Georgia after his passing, on January 14, 2026, in Grand Blanc, Michigan, to be buried alongside her. Notably, his final request bears an ironic symmetry, as it has been 34 years since his mother's burial on January 31, 1992.

He leaves to cherish his memory four sons: Barteas (Angela) Smith, Carteas Smith, Mark Bivins, and Franklin Bivins, all of Flint, Michigan; two daughters: Felicia Smith of Flint, Michigan and Tammi Bivins of Las Vegas, Nevada; three siblings: Bert (Barbara) Bivins, Dr. Thelma Dillard, and James (Dr. Linda) Bivins, all of Macon, Georgia; 14 grandchildren, Frank's Dynasty:  Barteas Smith, Jr., Markee Smith, DeAngelo Smith, Alexis Smith, Angelica Smith, Bartezio Smith, Carteas Smith, Jr., Devan Smith, Shaunteas Smith, Jakhi Smith, Jacob (Jake) Bivins, Jacobi Bivins, Santana Bivins, and Mark Bivins, Jr.; 25 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; a devoted caregiver, Leslie McCann of Durr, Michigan; and other relatives and friends.

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