Deacon Charlie Francis, 80, of Palatka, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at Putnam Community Medical Center following an extended illness. A native of Monticello, FL, he was born on Tuesday, April 25, 1933 to Will & Elizabeth (Thompson) Francis. During his youth the Francis family relocated to Palatka and he was educated at Central Academy High School, subsequently enlisting in the U.S. Army, earning an honorable discharge. He was converted at an early age and was a loyal servant of God at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, he sang in the male chorus, served as Sunday School Superintendent and was ordained as a Deacon serving as the distinguished Chairman of the Deacon's ministry for many years. He was united in holy matrimony on July 22, 1960 to the former Roberta Reed and they were the proud parents of 3 sons and 3 daughters. In 1988, Charlie retired from the Putnam County Road Department (now Public Works) following 21 years of distinguished service. As an avid sports enthusiast, he briefly played in the Palatka Semi-pro Baseball League, coached "The Hawks" (Palatka's little league basketball team), loved the Florida Gators and was a mainstay in the bleachers for most football, softball and basketball games. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his a devoted first cousin (raised as brothers), Charles Cooper; son-in-law, Superintendent Johnny Days; parents-in-law, Harold & Florine Collier Hill; sisters-in-law, Imogene Robinson, Eva Mae Hill, Dorothy Ann Hill, brothers-in-law, James L. Hill, and Kenneth Hill. To cherish his life and legacy: beloved and devoted wife of 53 years, Roberta Francis, sons and daughters, Charlie D. (Linda) Francis, Terry Francis, Audrey Smith, Trina (Minister Arthur) Ward, all of Palatka; Reverend Rodney T. (Dr. Leah) Francis, Sr., St. Louis, MO; Tina Francis-Days, Gainesville; brothers, Will (Gertrude) Francis, Palatka; Ernest (Irene) Francis, Columbus, GA; sister, Jeanette Session, Palatka; 7 grandchildren, Rodney Jr., Shayla, Evan, and Desmond Francis; Tarvarres Williams, Audresha Smith, and Camyrn Days; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jerome (Terri) Hill, Yvonne (Johnnie) Jackson, Harriett Hill and Florine Hill Pope; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation of family and friends at Greater Shiloh will be 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 21. Homegoing Celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 22, at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 North 19th Street, Palatka, Reverend Anthony Q. Robinson, Sr., pastor, is the eulogist. Elder Antonio V. Ruth, pastor of Zion Temple Church of God in Christ, presiding. The cortege will assemble at the Francis' family residence at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Interment with Military Honors will be at Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka.