Ronald Harry Francis

Ronald H. Francis, 82, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a 21 year battle with cancer. Born to Hazen and Luella Francis in Oxford, MI, he was joined a few minutes later by his "womb-mate", identical twin brother Donald. After graduation, they joined the United States Navy and were assigned to the USS Randolph. In 1952 while stationed in Jacksonville, he met his wife of 59 years, Barbara Davis at Skateland. Ronald was proceeded in death by his brother. He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Rhonda Rapp (David), sons David Francis (Marsha), Dale Francis, grandchildren Robert Grant, Brittney Francis, Bryan Rapp (Erin) Brad Rapp, sisters Betty Wade, Marilyn Frenk, and Shirley Acheson, sister-in-law Lois Francis, numerous nieces and nephews and many great- nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 6-8pmThursday, February 20th with the Funeral Service at 11:00am Friday, February 21st, in the Chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. Interment will follow at 1:30 pmin Jacksonville National Cemetery,4083 Laney Rd. Our Familywould like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of Vitas Hospice for the loving care given to our loved one and our family during his journey.In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ronald'smemory to Wounded Warriors Project.