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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R.I.P. Clarence. Prayers for you Leon Ola and the test of the family
🙏🏿going up for family I’m so sorry for loss💕💕💕
My condolences and prayers to Taunia and her family. Love y’all ❤️
Our deep felt condolences on the passage of yet another loved family member. Clarence was not only family, he was a part of Glen Alpine history. his auto repair business fostered many shade tree mechanic aspirations in the generations of boys that sought to follow in his foot steps and learned at his proverbial knee. He was a reliable and affordable resource to a community that was in need. He will be long remembered and sorely missed by all that had the privilege of coming in contact with his big heart and capable hands. RIP
To the Francis family our thoughts and prayers are with you during this part of your life’s journey. May you feel the loving arms of the Lord around you. May his blessings continue to rain down on the family
Our condolences to the family!! 🙏🏾🕊️
God is good, even though we never met. I was down there this year for the family reunion. My heart felt condolences to you and the family earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal, resting heaven family God bless.
RIP Margaret TATE
My condolences to family he has always been a good man when I was growing up we lived next door and me and his daughter was like best friends we always stayed together as a whole family I love you Taunia I know this so hard but God is in control sweetie if you need me I’m here.
My condolences to the family. R.I.P Mr. Uncle Clarence 🙏🏻🙏🏻