Wade Francis

Waynesville, Wade Franklin Francis, 89, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022, at his residence.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Charles "CC" and Leila Turner Francis.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bennie Lou Medford Francis, who died in 2013; three brothers; two sisters; and a great-grandson.  Wade was a graduate of Waynesville Township High School where he loved playing football.  He was a member of Calvary Road Baptist Church.  Wade was a Dairy Farmer for 52 years and was a deacon of Ratcliffe Cove Baptist Church.  He served his community for numerous years, he was a member of the board of directors for Haywood County Farm Bureau for 42 years, serving as President for 19 years. Wade also was on the Board of Directors of North Carolina Farm Bureau for 27 years; and was a board member of the Haywood County Fairgrounds.  He also served four years as a Haywood County Commissioner.  Wade was Chairman of WNC Development Association for three years, Chairman of East Waynesville Democratic Party, and a member of the Lions Club for four years.

Wade is survived by daughter, Sharon McElroy, and her husband, Rick; three sons, Donny Francis, and his wife, Joy, Larry Francis, and Dennis Francis, and his wife, Tammy; two brothers-in-law, Dewayne, and his wife, Rosa and J.R. Medford; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Care Angels for their long-term care and Haywood Hospice for their end-of-life care.  The family wants to thank Regina and Dan of Care Angels.  Also, the family has a very special thank you to Gary Bennett, who was not only a caregiver but a great friend to Wade and the family.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Ted Francis officiating.  Burial will follow at Ratcliff Cove Community Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.  Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Cope, Ryan McElroy, Will Stevenson, David Gentry, Don Smart, Austin Francis, Blake Francis, and Andy Francis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ratcliff Cove Community Cemetery, Attn:  Phyllis Ratcliff, 75 Keller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mr. Francis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.