Clyde Donald Francis, age 79, a resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.
Born in Giles County, Tennessee, Donald was the son of the late Franklin Whitfield Francis and the late Eula Lee Parker Francis.
Donald wore many hats throughout his life. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, the true love of his wife’s life, a proud PawPaw, brother, uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, cousin, faithful friend, truck driver, custodian, bus driver, painter, carpet layer, jokester, Christian, and above all, a genuinely good man. He was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He never met a stranger and had an incredible gift for making people laugh. Donald loved to joke, tease, and “cut up,” bringing smiles wherever he went. His generosity knew no bounds, and he would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He loved deeply, freely, and without conditions.
Donald lived life on his own terms. He never felt the need to fit into anyone else’s mold or worry about what others thought. Yet despite marching to the beat of his own drum, he was the definition of dependable. He was always early, often arriving fifteen minutes ahead of time and patiently waiting for everyone else. He believed in hard work, rarely missed a day, and stayed until the job was finished.
While cooking wasn’t one of his greatest talents, his eggs and sausage became a favorite for those he loved. Fortunately, Patricia more than made up for his lack of culinary skills, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
To his family, Donald was so much more than words can express. They will forever miss his warm hugs, his playful sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, faith, generosity, and the joy he brought to others.
Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Patricia Ann Francis; his son, Jonathan Donald Francis and wife, Shannon; his cherished grandsons, Cayson Donald Francis and Carter Ray Francis; his siblings, Mary Ellen Boyd and husband, Tommy, Arnold Francis and wife, Sherron, Anthony Francis and wife, Cindy, Teresa Colvett and husband, Jerry, Parker Francis and wife, Wanda, and his baby sister, Angelia Thompson , lovingly known to Donald as “Baby Girl,” and her husband, Mike. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Linda Francis.
Funeral services will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, July 24th at 11am with Bishop Henry Mobley and Rev. Vince Dominguez officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday from 9am until the service hour at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Rickey Turner, Davy Parker, Daniel VunCannon, Jimmy Guthrie, Caleb Dominguez, and Scottie Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be the brethren of Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the employees of Caris Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this time.
The Francis family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. Donald’s memory will forever be treasured by those who knew him, and his example of love, faith, laughter, and hard work will continue to inspire generations to come.
