Gerald Thomas Francis
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Visitation Schedule
Selph Hall - First Baptist Church
211 S. Market Street
Benton, AR  72015
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Selph Hall -First Baptist Church
211 S. Market Street
Benton, AR  72015
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
2:00 P.M.
Cemetery
Rosemont Cemetery
Military Road
Benton, AR  72015
Gerald Thomas Francis

of Benton, AR

December 12, 1941 - December 15, 2023

Gerald Thomas Francis, 82, passed away December 15, 2023 in Benton. He was born December 12, 1941 in his family home at Alpine, Arkansas to the late George Dewey Francis and Mirtie Craig Francis.

Francis completed elementary school in Alpine and the remainder of his pre-college education in Amity. He then attended Henderson State Teacher's College (now known as Henderson State University), where he earned a BSE in art education.

Gerald met his future wife, Tommye Graham, at Henderson and they were married for 61 years. Gerald was a Christian and served the Lord for many years at Highland Heights Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon. In his later years, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton.

Gerald was always interested in automobiles and had an entrepreneurial spirit. After settling in Benton, he opened his first business, Gerald Francis Motors, a used-auto business. He later owned and operated Arkansas Marine (early 1970s), but soon realized he wanted to focus on his true passion- cars.

Eventually, Gerald retired from his original business, but after only a few years he opened Gerald Francis Auto Exchange, just off the I-30 frontage road. He also had a strong interest in the RV business and opened Francis RV next to Francis Auto Exchange. After a few years, he retired again (for good).

Gerald loved golf, fishing and had a special love for dirt drag-racing. At one time, he coached Little League Baseball and Boys and Girls Club Basketball. His greatest pleasures were his children and grandchildren. His favorite name was ''Poppy''

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Laura Suzanne Francis; brother, Rolan Francis and sisters, Margie Keys and Clara Stover.

Survivors include his wife, Tommye; daughter, Jennifer (Hari) Sharma of Northern Colorado; son, Josh (Jennifer) Francis; grandson, Brody Francis; granddaughter, Jillian Francis all of Springdale, Arkansas and many other family members and friends.

Gerald's funeral service is to be Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Selph Hall, Benton, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 12:30 until time for service.

In honor of Gerald's memory, memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice.

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4 Condolence(s)
Charles R. Francis
Meridian,, ID
Liked
Sunday, April 14, 2024

Growing up with Gerald in Alpine for all our school years, we were close friends as well as first cousins, since our fathers were brothers, I have so very many memories of him. All the adventures and trouble we got into together are treasured memories. Kind of lost track of him after I left Alpine for California, where I lived for the next 57 years, when I moved to Idaho to be near my family. My deepest condolences for his family..

Scot
Springdale, AR
Liked
Monday, December 18, 2023

Praying for all the Francis family during this time. May the Lord Jesus encourage you and strengthen you in the days to come as only he can.
Scot Thurman

Jerry & Audena Johnson
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, December 18, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss ! When Josh and Matt Johnson played Boys and Girls Club Basketball, I really enjoyed coaching with Gerald. May God wrap his loving arms around your family at this most difficult time.

Roe Zumo
Benton, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 16, 2023

Gerald was always a friend, a devoted Christian, a deacon that loved the Lord, loved his family and his church family. I wish we could visited more often through the years. We will meet again on the other side.