FRED FRANCIS

Fred Francis, 93, of Westwood, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, following an extended illness. Fred was born July 7, 1923, in Ashland, a son of the late Marion and Mary Mayberry Francis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pearl Hall Francis in 2008; and several brothers and sisters. He retired from Armco Steel as an electrician, was a member of Fred M. Gross Lodge 953 F&AM, served on the USS Alabama in World War II, and was a member of the Hoods Creek Regular Baptist Church. He is survived by a daughter, Deena Harmon and husband John of Glen Allen, Va.; and a granddaughter, Traci Nelson of Ashland. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Preston Family Funeral Home with Brother Tim Porter officiating with a Masonic service by Officers and Brothers of Fred M. Gross Lodge 953 F&AM at 12:45 PM. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.