Frederick Vohn Francis

Frederick (Fred) Francis—beloved husband, father, and grandfather—passed away at home surrounded by his family on August 19, 2024, at 71 years old after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sandra (Sandy); three sons, Christopher, Matthew (Melissa), and Andrew (Taylor); two adored grandchildren, Peyton and Hudson, and another on the way; sister, Peggy Pfeiff; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and two dogs, Bailey and Bentley. Fred is preceded in death by his daughter, Emily, and his parents, Robert and Faye.

Fred was born in Somerset, PA on March 26, 1953. He and his family then moved to Oak Park, IL, followed by Akron, OH, before settling down in Alexandria, VA, where Fred graduated from George Washington High School in 1971. He attended Ferrum College and then embarked on a career that spanned many fields—serving in the Navy for five years, living his dream as an established golfer in Hilton Head, working at RF&P Railroad with his father, spending time in the dental and auto industries, and managing a lawn and landscaping company. In 1983, he married Sandy, the love of his life. And over the next several years, he embarked on his greatest adventure yet, as he and Sandy welcomed their children into the world. More recently, in 2014, he was overjoyed to be promoted from father to grandfather.

Fred loved to play and watch golf, spend time with his family, listen to rock and motown, drink coffee, and reminisce on his many travels earlier in life. However, his very favorite destination was his long-time home of 33 years in Stafford, VA, where he and Sandy moved in 1991 and lived out the rest and best of his life. Fred was a natural storyteller, and loved to crack jokes to make others laugh and smile. He is already—and will always be—deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on September 4 at Trinity Episcopal Church at 825 College Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, followed by an honorable military burial at 2 p.m. at Quantico National Cemetery at 18424 Joplin Rd. Triangle, VA 22172. There will then be a reception immediately after at the Aquia Harbor Yacht Club at 1415 Washington Dr., Stafford, VA 22554. Friends and family are invited to attend to offer their condolences and celebrate Fred’s life.

Flowers may be sent to Trinity Episcopal Church, where the service will be held, and donations may be generously offered to help with funeral expenses at https://gofund.me/01f39c21