James Marion Francis, 86, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Red Bay Hospital. He was born in Red Bay, AL, to Boaz and Edith Gable Francis. He worked as a truck driver for many years and then Armour Fertilizer for 20 years before eventually retired from Mueller in Fulton after 20 years. He was a member of Red Bay Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and loved feeding and watching hummingbirds.
Funeral service will be Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home with Bro. David Corum and Bro. Steve Lindsay officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Burial will be in Halltown Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL, will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bernell Francis; two sons, Dean Francis (Tammy) and Bruce Francis (Donna); one sister, Judy Young; 10 grandchildren, Karen Taff (Bo), Kayla Terry (Ross), Justin Francis, Miranda Garrett (Jade), Joshua Francis (Baleigh), Marissa Francis (Brooks), Clay (Maci), Madison (Jeremiah), Abby (Noah) and Mason (Jaylen); 15 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Emma Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Wanda Francis Wigginton; one brother, Jimmy Bernard Francis; and his grandparents, Wallace and Clara Gable.
Pallbearers will be Josh Francis, Justin Francis, Bo Taff, Ross Terry, Jade Garrett, and Brooks Weaver.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Nabors and Billy Bolton.
