Robert Earl Francis

Robert (Bobby) is survived by his loving wife, Shelly Kirby Francis; son Rael Robert Francis; mother Patricia L. Zonlick, father Bob Francis (Lorraine); sister Debra J. Francis (nieces Marisa and Marie); sister Robyn L. Thomas (nephew Cody and great-nephew Gage), and his 2nd Dad and Mom, Gene and Cathy Kirby. Robert is also survived by the Francis family of Mesquite, Texas and the Teel family of Roswell, New Mexico.

Robert was a gift from his birth to his too-soon passing. Robert loved his family and his friends, but his greatest loves were his Lord Jesus Christ, his beautiful wife Shelly and his incredible son, Rael. These three loves were his grace and amazing strength in his long, but unbelievably courageous battle with cancer. Robert dearly loved his church family at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Roswell, GA where he was a faithful servant and the President of the United Methodist Men’s Group. He was full of charisma, joy, laughter, humor, fun, and kindness. He was one of those truly rare, remarkable humans that others gravitated to and wanted to be friends with always. Through Shelly’s awesome journaling on CaringBridge and Facebook, their untiring and inspirational walk of faith reached the hearts and souls of so many, giving hope and comfort to countless others.

Robert graduated from Jefferson High School, Tampa, FL in 1986 and graduated from Wagner College, Staten Island, NY in 1991. Robert worked for AT&T and excelled at his profession -he could have sold ice to an Eskimo. He was a tireless worker and always strived to exceed his clients’ expectations.

Robert’s Celebration of Life and Love Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 4pm at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Roswell, GA. Robert (Bobby) is so loved and we were so blessed that he will be a part of us always, and he will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Roswell, GA, in honor of Robert Francis, where Robert’s legacy lives on.