He was known as “Joe” by family and friends, and was born November 13, 1926 in Roanoke, Virginia, where he spent his childhood. He attended and graduated from William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. After high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Private First Class. He also qualified as a heavy truck driver and rifle marksman. He participated in the operation of China from October 1, 1945 - September 4, 1946.
Upon leaving the military service, Joe attended the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) of the College of William and Mary. He was named MVP of the RPI soccer team in 1949 and earned a Bachelor's in Business on January 31, 1951. Shortly after, he went to work for the North American Insurance Company. During this time, Joe met his future wife, Mary Desher, of Petersburg, VA. They married and had two sons; Brian D. Francis and Joseph J. Francis. The family moved from Richmond, settling in Hampton, Virginia in 1963.
Joe worked as a sales associate for the insurance industry for many years before retiring in 1990. He and his wife, Mary, volunteered at Mary Immaculate Hospital for many years during retirement. Joe was a devout Catholic and a member of St Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and had a passion for sports. He was particularly fond of football and horse racing. Joe was a true “people person”, and will be loved and missed by many.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, George and Annie Francis; and son, Brian Francis. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Francis; son, Jay Francis; and grandson, Justin Bailey.
A celebration of life visitation for Joseph will be held Monday, September 19, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia. The burial service is private.
