Richard Ronald Francis Sr.

Richard Ronald Francis, Sr. passed away on August 20 of a massive heart attack. He was born and raised in Orlando, FL, and a resident of DeLand for over 27 years.

Richard joined the US Navy in 1965 and was stationed in San Diego, Calif. Later he served two tours in Vietnam on 2 carriers: The Princeton and The Iwo Jima. After his Navy career, Richard returned to Florida where he received his engineer degree from UCF. He later worked on military contracts in the Orlando area until retiring in 2011. His projects included Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, Bradley and Abrams tanks. Richard felt he was serving his country by designing military equipment during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Richard enjoyed working on antique cars. He was working on a "68 Mustang recently. He loved being in the woods hunting, riding the St. John's River in his pontoon boat, and spending time with his family.

In 1998 Richard and his wife Bette bought 10 ½ acres in Lake County and built a log home. Richard was the contractor for it, and all his children worked on that house as it went up. He loved living with the deer and bears. It was featured in Log Home Illustrated, a national magazine. Richard and his wife of 33 years, Bette, enjoyed the tribute concerts at The Athens Theater. Richard knew all the lyrics to Beach Boys songs.

Richard is survived by his wife Bette, sons Rick Francis, Jr., Steven Francis, daughter Vicki Lynn Otero, step-sons Kyle Raker and Travis Raker, and his grandchildren Hunter Francis, Zachary Francis, Cora Otero, Trinity Brennan, Steven Francis, Maeve Raker, Blair Raker, and Katherine Raker. And Molly, his beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Allen-Summerhill is in charge of the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.