David Arnold Francis, Iii

David Arnold Francis III, 70, of Bishop, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. David, also lovingly called “Davey” by those who knew him in his childhood, was born April 26, 1950 in Dormont, PA, the eldest son of the late David A. Francis, Jr., and Jean Guthridge Francis.

Dave was an Eagle Boy Scout (Troop 23) and graduated from Keystone Oaks High School in 1968. He resided in the Pittsburgh area through his teens and then attended West Virginia University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. He then moved to Georgia and earned an MBA from West Georgia University. He lived and worked in Georgia for almost 50 years as a forester.

David was a longtime and faithful member of Watkinsville First United Methodist Church. He served as Stewardship Chairman and was a leader of the Band of Brothers. He also helped found the Griefshare ministry. He loved to sing and was a member of the church quartet.

He loved raising his two children and being with his two grandchildren; getting out in the woods; investing in the stock market; visiting with family and friends; landscaping; and many other things too numerous to mention. He was an avid WVU Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was loved and touched by MANY and will be very deeply missed.

Along with his parents, David was preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Cathy Hern Francis. He is survived by his wife Layne Swan Francis; two daughters Jessica Murdock (Matthew) and Stacey Ciabotte (Bryan); step-daughters Kate and Emily Hammock; two grandchildren Jason and Lacie Murdock; and his brother Mark Francis (Marilyn), of Mt. Lebanon, PA.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Lord and Stephens, West Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the service will be held outside under the portico. Interment will follow at Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Lord and Stephens, West on Saturday, October 31 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

If lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, 1331 New High Shoals Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or at http://www.watkumc.org .

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com