Harold Offutt Francis
Asheville - Harold Offutt Francis, 84, of 95 Stoney Hill Court, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006.
Mr. Francis was born July 28, 1921, in Austin, Texas, to the late William Alvah and George Offutt Francis. He was a graduate of Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville, Texas, and graduated with a B.A. degree in English and an M.A. degree in economics. Harold enlisted in The U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant after 3 1/2 years, serving as a high speed radio operator. He also served as a trumpeter in The Air Corps Band.
Harold married Madge Thomas Francis on Aug. 27, 1943, and was the proud father of two daughters.
He was employed for 32 years by Celanese/Stauffer Chemical Company as a purchasing, traffic and storage manager at Bishop, Texas and Gallipolis Ferry, W.Va., where he helped to open the plant in 1955.
He and his wife were owners of The Tree House Children's Clothing Store in Asheville for eight years. Harold was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher and choir member. He had been a member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church since 1983.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his brother, William Francis of Washington, D.C.
Surviving is his wife of almost 63 years, Madge Thomas Francis; daughters, Susan Rich and her husband, Ed Rich of Columbus, Ohio, and Cindy Egerer and her husband, Gary Egerer of Weaverville; brother, George Francis and his wife, Mary Alice Francis; sister-in-law, Marian Stone of Midland, Texas; and grandchildren, Kevin Griffin of Knoxville, Tenn., Allison Griffin of Weaverville and Alex Sgouros of Raleigh.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Ave., Asheville with the Revs. Aimee and Bill Buchanan officiating.
The family will greet friends following the service at the church.
West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville is in charge of the arrangements.
Published: 2006-07-21