Clarence Jones Francis, 81, of Morganton, NC passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Born in McDowell County, Nc on March 18, 1945, he was the son of the late Jesse Young Francis, Sr. and Katie Ben Thomas Francis.
Clarence was raised in the Baptist faith. He owned and operated Francis Salvage for 50 years.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Taunia M. Francis; grandson, Maurtice D. Francis; granddaughter, Tatiana L. Francis; sister, Ola F. Caldwell (Robert); brothers, Charles L. Francis and H. Leon Francis; sisters-in-law, Mary A. Francis and Virginia C. Francis; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his son, Chance D. Clemmons Francis; brothers, Joseph W. Francis, Robert G. Francis, Jesse Y. Francis, Jr., and Otis F. Francis; sisters, Mary Sue Francis, Lillian F. Walker, and Maxine F. Rutherford; and nephews, C. Lamar Francis and Bobby G. Rutherford; niece, Donna F. Bristol.
The family will receive friends starting at noon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Tommy Carpenter officiating. The funeral will be streamed on the funeral home’s YouTube channel. The graveside service will follow at Park Hill Memorial Gardens.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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He was a good friend to Manny of people he was always there to when needed he will be missed by rip prayers for the family 🙏
Heartbroken at the transition of Clarence J. Francis. He was such a good friend to most of all my family, my brother, son, and grandsons! He was a quiet man and had an even quieter laugh but such a good person all around. The last time that I got to speak to him at the hospital, he was just as humble, sweet and with that same quiet laugh/smile. that I came to love and respect. To the Francis family I offer my deepest, sincere condolences, and pray that GOD will give you all strength to get through these coming days, weeks, months and years without Clarence presence. Ruth Roseboro
My Condolences to Clarence's family! I grew up right up the hill from him. My daddy was a regular visitor to Clarences house! I was often with him! Im so sorry for your loss. He was quiet and a wonderful man! Donnie
Clearance was a dear friend 🧡 and loved by many. A great help to the community in more ways than one fixing cars etc. He will be missed. Rest from your labor friend and ill see you again one day in heaven,when we will live forever prayers 🙏 ❤️
Clearance was a great man God took one of the best .. ..
My thoughts and prayers to the Francis family. You have my condolences on the passing of Clarence. In my younger days we had many good conversations and always greeted each other with a hug. He always lovingly called me cuz. He will be missed.
My most sincere condolences to the Francis family. May God bless each of you during this difficult time in your lives with strength, comfort and peace.
He was a good man he'll always be missed I loved him dearly
RIP Clarence, you will be missed here on earth. Thanks for all the help and wisdom you shared with me over the years.
Sorry for your loss , Clarence was a great friend.