David Francis Jr.

David Francis Obituary

David Francis Jr.
Suffolk - David "DD" Drewry Francis Jr., 85, died on Monday, January 23, 2012 in his home.
He was predeceased by his parents David Drewry and Maude Cobb Francis, sister Rebecca Overby and first wife Marian B. Francis. He was a member of Holy Neck Christian Church, Liberty Spring Ruritan Club, McAllister Lodge #185 and Eastern Star Chapter.
He is survived by his loving wife Ellen W. Francis; son David L. Francis and wife Tracy of Suffolk; daughter Linda Francis Collins and husband Harvey of Suffolk; and step daughters Gloria Jones, Judith Rhodes, Donna Barnes, Anne Baumann, and Mary Anderson; grandchildren Angela Francis, Brandon Francis and Robin Hinchey; great grandchild Layla Nicole Francis and sister Alberta Williams of Ethel, La.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 26, at 11 a.m. at Holy Neck Christian Church, 4400 Pineview Road, Suffolk, VA 23437 by the Rev. Dr. Drew Mountcastle and Rev. Doland Talbert with burial at Liberty Spring Christian Church Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. The family will receive friends, Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the R. W. Baker & Co Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 West Washington Street, Suffolk, VA 23434. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Neck Christian Church Building Fund or to the American Cancer Society, 604 Constance Woods Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434.Condolences may be made at www.rwbakerfh.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for David Francis

5 Entries

Linda Antezana

January 27, 2012

Ellen, We just heard about the death of DD. We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Praise God for the hope we have in Christ that this is not goodbye but good night. You will see him again. Love in Christ, Guigus and Linda Antezana (Liberty Spring Sunday School Class).

Amy & Robert Bristow

January 26, 2012

Brandon, Angela & Family,
Robert and I are so very sorry about your Grandfather. I wish we would have had the pleasure of meeting him. We are so thankful and blessed that he got to meet Layla and hold his Great Grand Daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We love you and if you need anything please don not hesitate to let us know. God Bless.

Diana Bristow-Bunch

January 26, 2012

Brandon,Angela,David&Tracy- I am truly sorry about the loss of your father and grandfather. My thoughts are with you and hope that each of you find peace during this time. There is no love like the love of a grandparent.

Brooke

January 25, 2012

I only knew dd for a short time. he always brought a smile to my face and made everyone laugh around him. I am grateful that I got a chance to meet him and also very blessed my daughter got to as well. he will be missed.

Brandon Francis

January 25, 2012

whoaAfter 85 long years on this Earth, my grandfather, DD, passed away peacefully Monday morning January 23rd. DD was blessed with at least 75 years of good health and good spirit. For many years he worked two full time jobs including the Ford Plant, Newport News Shipyard, and finally retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after over 30 years of service. DD was a humble Christian man, a Mason, a Ruitan, and a dedicated community member always willing to offer a helping hand. He gave many people first impressions that lasted, because he was always true to himself and others. DD was honestly the hardest working person I have ever known. Wherever there was a dollar to be made, you could find DD. To him, it did not matter if he was tending land and selling crops, building tractors, fixing cars, pulling all nighters at the Ford plant, or working overtime in the Shipyards; DD was a strong believer that you reap what you sow. You can take one quick look around and see this by noticing all the people here today paying their respects and helping to comfort each other with his departure, and I thank you all for that.
To be his grandson for the 30 years I have had on this Earth, I can truly say it was a blessing; and an honor for me to know I made him proud to be my Grandfather. He loved God, Jesus, his family, his friends, and his tractors most of all. I used to love going to see him at the shop at my dad's house. Every time I showed up there to surprise him, DD would get excited and say “Well look-a-here would ya” or “Whattah-ya-say-there-Dick” and then proceed to give me a big hug, and pat me on the back. He used to enjoy showing me his work and would take me out to a tractor he had finished and say watch this, turn the key, and with a crank or two, they would fire right up.
He is survived by his loving wife Ellen W. Francis; sister Alberta Williams of Ethel, La: son David L. Francis and wife Tracy of Suffolk; daughter Linda Francis Collins and husband Harvey of Suffolk; step daughters: Gloria Jones, Judith Rhodes, Donna Barnes, Anne Baumann, and Mary Anderson; grandchildren Angela Francis, Brandon Francis and Robin Hinchey; great grandchildren Savannah Hinchey, Travis Hinchey, and Layla Francis.
DD had a God given gift of laughter that he shared with us so very well. He leaves behind many fond memories of loving moments and stories filled with joy. So from now on, when you think of D.D. Francis, think of him as an Angel looking after us and smiling down on us from his rightful place in Heaven above.

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