Donald Ray Francis

Donald Ray Francis, 96, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on September 11, 2024. Donald Ray was born in Austin Texas on June 14 1928 to Joe Donald Francis and Ada (Benham) Francis. He was a graduate of Austin High School and he attended the University of Texas. Donald Ray married Margie Muriel Baker in 1951 at First Baptist Church in Austin. Donald Ray and Margie lived in Austin and surrounding communities for most of their lives, residing on Lake Buchanan near Tow, Texas for several years. He and Margie were married for 54 years, before Margie's death in 2006. Donald Ray has since lived in Georgetown. He loved to travel and visited many areas, including national parks, Nashville, Hawaii and Ireland.

After a brief stint in sales of painting supplies in Harlingen, Texas, Donald Ray returned to Austin and entered into a career as a painting contractor. He worked with his father J. Donald who began the business, Francis Painting and Decorating, in 1937 in Austin. Together they were involved in restoration and maintenance activities of several notable historical structures including the Texas Governor’s Mansion. After the retirement of his father, Donald Ray managed the business, retiring in 1997. He was an active member of Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, as well as a longtime member of Walnut Creek Optimist Club. 

Donald Ray was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife Margie. "Dad" is survived by sons, Donald Ray Francis Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Jay Walter Francis and wife Marty and Wayne Clark Francis and wife Janice. "PaPa" is survived by grandchildren, Timothy Wayne Francis, Jared Benjamin Francis and wife Casey, Candace Elizabeth Wallner and husband Geoff, Kimberly Diann Lindsey and husband Tim, Mandi Jo Roarke and husband Kevin, Suzanne Elissa Camos and husband Zach. "Old PaPa" is survived by great-grandchildren, Valerie Wallner, Jadi Jo Roarke, Rustin Francis, Ava Wallner, Eloise Lindsey, Hays Francis and Oliver Lindsey. Donald Ray is also survived by his brother Milton Eugene Francis and wife Margaret.