George Rufus Francis

EARL- Mr. George Rufus Francis, 73, of 2811 Blacksburg Rd., Earl, died Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at home. A native of Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Avery and Alta Bridges Francis. He was retired as a Price Administrator with Arco Oil and served in the Army with service in Korea. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and was past Master and lifetime member of the Stateline Lodge No. 375 in Grover and was a City Councilman of Earl since 1989.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Stevie Garland; his sisters, Elizabeth Kimsey and Dixie Edmondson; and his brother, Bobby Francis.

SURVIVORS: He is survived by his wife, Lena McSwain Francis of the home; a son, George Francis of Illinois; two daughters, Frankie Ramey and husband, Tom, of Earl and Traci Hoppes and husband, Delane of Shelby; thirteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends on Friday, February 16, 2007 from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home and other times at the home.

FUNERAL: The funeral will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2007 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel.

BURIAL: Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.

OFFICIATING CLERGY: The Revs. David Gordon and Broadus Heatherly

MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565.