John Milton "Big Daddy" FRANCIS

FRANCIS, John Milton "Big Daddy", 85, of Deltaville, formerly of Mechanicsville, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Marian R. Francis; his daughter, Brenda F. Bailey and her husband, Eugene; three grandchildren, Francis, Justin and Allison Bailey; six sisters, Ruth Carter, Bessie Best, Irma Heath, Jeannette Carlin, Marie Fowler and Rosa Lee Grant; one brother, Robert Francis; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raleigh and Annie Francis; brothers, Gilbert and James Francis; and sisters, Bertha Johnson and Louise Bryant. Mr. Francis was co-owner with John Bragg of Bragg & Francis Tile and Marble, Inc. He loved his craft, working over 40 years. It can be found in buildings all across the state, and remains a part of his legacy. He was a member of Zoar Baptist Church, the West Richmond Businessmen's Association, the Home Builder's Association of Richmond, and Woodmen of the World. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, October 27, at Zoar Baptist Church, Deltaville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Lower Middlesex Fire Dept. or Zoar Baptist Church.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.