Ralph Crofford Francis, 83, of Jonesborough, TN, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2012 at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Francis was born in Buladean, NC, to the late Lewis Francis, and Mary Sheets Francis. After the death of his mother at the age of 13, he moved to Westminster Maryland. He lived for 63 years in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware before returning to East Tennessee in 2007.

He was a veteran of the Air Force and the 104th Wing of the Maryland National Guard. He retired after 30 years with the Dept of Defense: Signal Depot, Fort Holabird, Tobyhanna Army Depot, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and Fort Meade. The last 9 years of his career, he was on the Inspector General Team covering 22 states and Puerto Rico. After retiring he took up oil painting lessons.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Ellen Kraft, brother Clifford France, and sister Bonnie Hughes.

He was a member of High Tide Baptist Church in Delaware.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Simerly Francis, son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Debbie Francis, of Longwood, Florida, son-in-law Thomas Kraft, sisters Georgia Cloud (Gary) and Jean Cousins (Gus), Grandchildren Heather Peeples (Mark), Jason Mazza (Laura), Justin Mazza (Jenny), Zachary Kraft (Renee), David and Michael Francis. Five great grandchildren, and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial services will be conducted at 3:00pm, Sunday, October 14, 2012, at Jonesborough United Methodist Church, with Pastor Tammy Wright and Reverend J.C. Sheets officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 3:00pm, Sunday prior to the service.

Internment will be in Holly Hill Cemetery, Middle River, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Jonesborough United Methodist Church Building Fund.