Harold James Francis' Obituary
Harold James Francis, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and Ordained Minister passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, in his home in Fremont, California. He was 78.
Harold was born on Alice C Plantation (Saint Mary Parish) in Louisiana on September 12th, 1945, to Harrison Francis and Daisy Mae Jones. Harold was the second oldest of 10 brothers and 4 sisters who were raised in a loving family in Franklin, Louisiana.
Harold attended Willow Street High School in Franklin, LA where he excelled in academics and extracurricular activities (football and track). He graduated high school in 1964 and received a full track scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. He graduated from UAPB with a Bachelor of Science Degree. During this time, he was blessed with a daughter, Dr. Gwyneth Michele Francis.
While attending UAPB, Harold excelled in track and field and was invited to participate in the 1968 Olympic Trials where he placed 6th in the 400-meter race. He currently still holds the fastest 400-meter time in the state of Arkansas. His achievements in track and field at UAPB resulted in him being inducted into UAPB's Hall of Fame in (2006).
After college, Harold joined the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. During this time, he was blessed with a son Harold James Francis Jr.
After completing his service to his country, Harold served his community by working in the public school system in Franklin, Louisiana. During this time, he was blessed with a son, Colin “Dexter” Francis.
Harold moved to California where he worked for East Bay MUD. He developed an interest in the area of space engineering and took his educational training and expertise to work for NASA/Lockheed Martin. He assisted many space shuttle missions in his role as a Payload Engineer. He retired after serving over 40 wonderful years.
Harold professed his love for Christ at an early age and at New Light Baptist Church he developed a passion for preaching, serving, and ministering to others. He also served at local churches through the years in California and Texas.
Harold met and married his wife Peggy Anne Francis. During this time they were blessed with two children: Erika Elise Francis Almquist and Jordan Alexander Francis.
Harold had a passion for sports and mentoring children. Outside of his family and professional life, Harold was a football referee and a baseball and softball umpire for local leagues in Texas and California. In retirement he was a part-time aide at Warwick and Brookvale Elementary Schools.
Harold was preceded in death by his father and mother Harrison and Daisy Francis, sister Helen Robertson, brother Harrison Francis, and wife Peggy Francis.
He is survived by his children Dr. Gwyneth Francis, Harold Francis Jr (Tiffany), Colin Francis (Katina), Erika Almquist (Jayd), and Jordan Francis (Briana); his siblings Carol F. Maze (John), Louise F. Pierre (Willard), Raymond Francis (Bertha), Michael Francis, Wallace Francis (Cheryl), Octavia F. Bogan (Barry), Willie Francis, Samuel Francis (Carolyn), Herman Francis (Suzanne), Gerald Francis (Debra), and Darrell Wayne Francis (Tamara); Grandchildren- Raphael, Taylor, Colleen, Aaron, Ari, Paxton, Skylar, and Raiden; with a host of brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews.
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