Donald Thomas “Tommy” Francis, Sr. of East Ridge passed away Friday, July 29, 2022 at his home. Tommy was a graduate of Central High School where he was a punter for the football team. He was a wood carver, hunter of Indian relics, and an excellent story teller. He retired as a sheet metal estimator for King Industries.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna Jo Francis; brother, Buddy Francis and a daughter, Kathy Stanfield.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years Nelda Ruth Francis; daughter, Donna (Doug) Howell; son Tommy (Robin) Francis; 8 grandchildren, Haylie (Chris) Nash, Denyse (Craig) Dubberstein, Steven (Val) Francis, Matthew (Abagail) Francis, Casey (Blake) Holder, Christian Francis, David Stanfield and Destiny Stanfield; 9 great-grandchildren; one sister, Deborah (Joe) Powell; several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 7 PM Monday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road with the Rev. Sam Simon officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-7 PM Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.