James Owen Francis

Mr. James Owen Francis, age 88, of 2638 Henderson Grove Road in Sandersville died Sunday December 7 at his residence following an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday December 10 in the May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sandersville. The Rev. Greg Hatfield will officiate with burial in the Washington County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jerry Foss, Gerald Hopkins, Bobby Vinson, Tucker Vaughn, Preston Williams and Billy Wright.

Mr. Francis was a native of Laurens County, Georgia, the son of the late John Henry Francis and the late Dora Maxie Mercer. He was the husband of the late Barbara Avant Francis and was predeceased by his daughter, Paulette Francis Williams. Mr. Francis was a farmer and a retired school bus driver for the Washington County School System. He was a member of the Sisters Baptist Church, the Woodmen of the World and the Washington County Farm Bureau. Mr. Francis was recognized as the Conservationist of the Year in 1963. He will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Survivors are his daughter, Barbara Francis (Clyde) Lester of Augusta, thirteen grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday evening. The family suggests that donations may be made to the Serenity Hospice, 520 Hillcrest Parkway, Dublin, Georgia 31021.

May and Smith Funeral Directors, 1119 Riddleville Road, Sandersville, Georgia
www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com