Clarence Jones Francis

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.