Charles Rudolph "Rudy" Francis

DIANA: Services for Charles Rudolph “Rudy” Francis, 88, of Diana will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Diana, with Reverends Freeman Pierce and Mark Minter officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grubbs-Loyd Funeral Home in Diana. Interment will be at Reed Cemetery in Diana. He passed away on January 28, 2017 in Longview.

Rudy was born August 23, 1928 in Clark County, Arkansas to Henry Edward and Evelyn Francis. He was self-employed as a vinyl siding applicator and plasterer. He married the former Frances “Jean” Eskew in 1947 and she preceded him in death in 2003. They moved to Diana in 1972 and were members of First Baptist Church. Rudy was the Senior Men’s Class IV official “fish fry taster”. He always had to taste 3-4 pieces of fish before approving that every batch of fish was good. He will be missed at their next fish fry.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Randy Francis and Lorna of Henderson, Jerry Francis of Kemp, and Lance Francis and Stacie of Diana, daughter: Teresa Francis of Mabank, sister: Martha Ann Ambro, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 6-8 p.m. at Grubbs-Loyd Funeral Home in Diana.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Gideons International, PO Box 473, Gilmer, Texas 75644 in his memory.

Please leave online condolences at www.grubbsloydfh.com