Charles Edward Francis

Funeral services for Charles Francis, 73, of Ledbetter, TX, will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Bateman Memorial Center in Giddings, TX with Rev. Stanley P Harris and Rev. Charles James officiating. Burial will follow at the Sweet Home Baptist Cemetery in Giddings. Visitation will be held at the Bateman Memorial Center on Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.
When Charles Edward Francis crossed the River Jordan on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, this world lost an incredibly special individual: a consummate servant leader, a kind, giving, and gentle spirit, a spiritual visionary, a mentor to many and a friend to all. He was loved, respected, and admired just as much for his hearty smile and laugh, his gregarious nature, and his never-ending generosity and kindness that he demonstrated every day.
Charles, age 73, was born in San Angelo, TX, on November 14, 1951, to the union of George Franklin Francis, Jr., and Veora Washington Francis. He was the fourth child of six siblings born into this close-knit Francis Family.
Charles became a follower of Christ at an early age in San Angelo at the St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Frank Phillips. After a subsequent family relocation to Lubbock, TX, Charles continued his Christian journey with Rev. A. L. Dunn at the New Hope Baptist Church. When Charles' career transferred him to Fort Worth, he quickly united with Strangers Rest Baptist Church where Rev. Eddie Brown, Sr. was the Senior Pastor.
At the time of Charles' passing, he was a longtime Elder and faithful member (serving in many capacities) of the Concord Church in Giddings, TX under the leadership of Rev. Stanley P. Harris. In 1970, Charles graduated from the Estacado High School in Lubbock, TX where he was Senior Class President. His high school graduation was followed immediately by his enrollment at Texas Tech University, also in Lubbock. He completed the ROTC program, earned his bachelor's degree majoring in social welfare, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His active-duty time was spent as an armor officer at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. After his active-duty service, he served for ten years in the U.S. Army Reserve.
In 1980, Charles married Paulette Lambert and from this union came his beautiful daughter, Josette Ruth, the mother of his granddaughter, Jariah Tene'. Both his daughter and granddaughter are successful professionals who, with pride and admiration, followed their father/grandfather's example as committed servant leaders in their respective communities.
Over his career spanning more than 40 years with the U.S. Postal Service, Charles received multiple promotions to positions of increasing responsibility. His career was with the Postal System, but like his siblings, he started working with his dad in the family business. From an early age, Charles worked in his father's janitorial maintenance business. While working in the family business, Charles acquired valuable life skills and developed a strong work ethic.
Charles was widely regarded as a straightforward individual with diverse interests and passions. He was an energetic collector of stamps and coins. He loved to travel by any means available-car, train, ship, or plane-- it did not matter. He enjoyed a game of dominoes but only if his opponent was considered a worthy competitor. Another love of Charles was the care and upkeep of the "Carrie Ann", the family estate and Charles' earthly home.
As a dedicated servant leader within his community, he has served on the Boards of Directors for the Giddings Food Pantry, The Lion's Club International-Giddings Noon Club, The Veora and George Francis, Jr. Educational Fund, and the Lee County Youth Center.
Many individuals who interacted with Charles expressed surprise and appreciation upon receiving a newly minted, crisp two-dollar bill as a gift from him. There is reason to believe that at least half of Lee County has been so honored by Charles. Sometimes, it was a way of saying "thanks"; other times the message might be "remember me". At the time of his transition, Elder Charles was living out his largest vision and his strongest passion-THE KINGDOM MEN'S MINISTRY-Equipping Kingdom Men for Kingdom Business. He was the founder and driving force behind this not-for-profit-based Men's Ministry in Giddings, TX. Elder Charles believed: that men should be about seeking and following the will of God for their lives and that men should support one another in the pursuit of that objective. Charles' vision was first revealed to him five years ago. And today there are men involved in this Men's Ministry from Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, and Michigan with over 150 men on the Ministry's mailing list. The Ministry successes enjoyed to date, in large measure, are attributed to the counsel, advice and administrative assistance of Charles' close friend, Dr. Scheherazade (Sherry) Perkins.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, George and Veora Francis; nephews, Andrew Jr. and Kevin Michael Collins; brother, Glenn; brother-in-law Samuel L. Ross; sister-in-law Elaine Smith Francis; as well as grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Elder Charles leaves behind a legacy of radical love, faith, joy, and peace, in abundance to his daughter Josette Francis; granddaughter, Jariah Tene' Francis; siblings, Vivian Lavata Francis Ross, George F. Francis, III, LaVerne Francis Reid and husband Robert, Rosetta Francis-Robinson and husband Clyde, sister-in-law, Doris Nash Francis, family members include Mitchell Judie and wife Rose, and Jeff Turner who are literally like brothers-all of whom were touched by his kindness and generosity. Charles, the life he lived, the love he demonstrated, the lessons he taught, and the loyalty he showed will long be cherished, remembered, and appreciated by all of those who were fortunate enough to interact with him.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to: Veora and George Francis, Jr Educational Fund (First National Bank, 108 E Austin Street, Giddings, TX 78942); Lee County Youth Center (451 N Dallas Street, Giddings, TX 78942); Giddings Food Pantry (190 N Harris Street, Giddings, TX 78942); Giddings Noon Lion's Club (Landmark Center, 289 N Main Street, Giddings, TX 78942) or your favorite charitable organization.