Walter Francis Sr.

Walter Nathaniel Francis Sr., 90, of Hopewell, Virginia passed away peacefully Thursday, July 22, 2010. He was born on September 6, 1919 in Southampton County and was baby boy" of the late Hattie Branche and Robert Edward Francis. Mr. Francis was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Eunice Turner Francis, a daughter Carolyn Francis Kourkoumelis and a son, Walter Francis, Jr. He was also preceded in death by seven siblings Cora Mae Francis, Robert Elliott Francis, Thelma Benton Francis, Blanche Francis Cornett, Virgie Francis Atkins, Jeff Thomas Francis, and Daniel Daveny Francis. Mr. Francis loved his family and his country. He proudly served during WWII in the US Army/Air Force. He retired from Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation in 1982 after a 31 year career. He enjoyed his retirement years with trips to Florida and time spent with family and friends. Mr. Francis is survived by three children Peggy Francis Taylor and husband, Bobby, Thelma Francis Cooper and husband Lonnie, Keith Turner Francis and daughter-in-law, Christine Francis, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 24 at Southlawn Memorial Park with the Pastor Eugene Ballance officiating. A funeral procession will leave The E. Alvin Small Funeral Home-Petersburg Chapel, 3935 South Crater Road at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00-8:30 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA. 23060 or Hospice of Central Virginia, 7231 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Richmond, VA. 23226. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.