Francis Robert Smith

Francis (Fran) R. Smith, 79, of Stephens City, Virginia, passed away on December 28, 2023. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 8, 1944. Fran grew up in Philadelphia and eventually served in the US Army. As a mortar man, he rose to the rank of Specialist and earned the Expert Marksmanship Badge and the Jungle Expert badge while serving in Panama.

After returning home, Fran met the love of his life, Margaret Mary Ellen (Peggy) Jones. They were married on July 15, 1967 and had two sons and a daughter - Francis Junior, Shawn, and Genette. Fran would give anything and did everything for his growing family, eventually becoming the best Pop Pop to several grandchildren.

Fran was a Master Carpenter in the Carpenter’s Union and worked in many of the prominent businesses and government buildings in Washington DC. After retirement, he drove a school bus for Spotsylvania County. Eventually, he settled in Stephens City where he lived the rest of his life, taking care of Peggy.

Fran had a passion for NASCAR and loved going to the races. He particularly enjoyed going to the races with his family and making them all day events that went well into the night. He would run the stoves and grills cooking omelettes in the morning and steaks in the evening before the races. The good food didn’t end there though. He would always cook hot dogs on the grill while waiting for the traffic to die down.

Fran was preceded by his father (William), his mother (Anna), and his two brothers (Billy and Gene). The surviving family, including his sisters (Carol and Barbara), children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren pray for ease in his transition to the next life.