Robert Gene "Bob" Francis, Sr.

   Robert Gene “Bob” Francis, Sr., 90, of South King Street, Windsor NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, in his home where he was surrounded by family.

   Mr. Francis was born in Bertie County on May 17, 1934, and was the son of the late Harry Gene and Annie Marie Mizell Francis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Verna Mai Billingsley Francis, his son, Robert Gene “Bobby” Francis, Jr., his daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth “Kathy” Francis, a sister, Debbie Wynn (Allen, surviving), and by a brother, Harry Francis (Charlotte, deceased).

   Bob was a man of many trades and talents; a barber, electrician, painter, textile mill supervisor, farmer, cattle rancher, carpenter, contractor, an owner of auto parts, carpet, and grocery store businesses, a car salesman, and a faithful team member of The Wash House. He was a member of Open Door Church- Edenton Campus. A Korean War veteran, he had served in the Army National Guard and later in the Air Force.

   Surviving are his two daughters, Teri Francis Williford (Marshall, deceased) of Edenton and Treasa Francis White (Tim) of Windsor; nine grandchildren, Bobi Williford Bobbitt (Justis), Marshall Lee Williford, III (Stacy), Lynse Williford Rivenbark (Josh), Luke Francis Williford (Morgan), Dustin Billingsley White, Gabriel Francis White (Ashley), Zachary Hayden White (Kelsey), Nathaniel Dare Harper, and Robert Reid Kerns (Bri); 18 great-grandchildren; his faithful friend, Judy Northcott; and two sisters, Sadie Nadler (Ed) and Treasa Francis (Rusty).

   Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Open Door Church-Bertie Campus, 511 US 13, Windsor, NC, and will be conducted by Pastors Jay Rivenbark and Ricky Williams. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Following the graveside rites, friends are invited to join the family at Bobi and Justis Bobbitt’s home, 360 Schooner Landing Drive, Edenton.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Open Door Church, Edenton/Bertie, P.O. Box 1095, Edenton, NC 27932.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerhfh.com.