MURFREESBORO, NC – Tanner Brett Francis, age 25, of Holly Hill Road, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at his home. A precious angel gone way to soon.
Tanner was born on November 18, 1994 to John “Jef” Eldridge Francis, III and Donna Brett Francis in Hertford County, NC. Tanner graduated from Ridgecroft High School and went on to receive his welding certification from RCCC. Tanner was an avid outdoorsman who was introduced to this way of life by his Grandlilly and G-Ma Francis at an early age. Snacks became a regular staple of his outdoor trips as a result of his G-Ma always making sure he had plenty when he went. He was also a movie buff and developed this love from his Granny Jeanne. Tanner enjoyed being a heavy equipment operator and handled those big machines with ease. He had a great love for all animals.
It is often said that a man is best known by the comment’s friends make. He would have been so proud to hear that “He was like a brother to me”, “One of a kind”, “Awesome Dude with a golden smile”, and “a hugger who was quick to tell you he loved you”.
To his family, Tanner will always be remembered as a loving and caring son, grandson, nephew, and cousin. His smile and laugh will forever be ingrained in our memories. Tanner was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Jeanne Brett Edwards, maternal grandfathers, Donald T. Brett and William W. “Billy” Edwards, and his paternal grandfather, John Eldridge Francis, Jr.
Left to cherish Tanner’s memory is his loving mother, Donna of the home, his father, “Jef”, of Pendleton; paternal grandmother, Peggy Vinson Francis of Pendleton; two aunts, Tracy Pearce and husband Paul of Murfreesboro, and Jessica Francis Deal and Dr. Martin of Oxford, NC; five special cousins, Nathan Pearce, Lauren Pearce, Molly Deal, Sydney Deal, and John Deal; and many friends.
UPDATE
Due to the COVID-19 circumstances, Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel will be open for friends to sign the register book on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 11:00 am until we leave for the service at the church.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 4:00 PM at Meherrin Baptist Church with Rev. John Porter officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery and the family will receive friends at the conclusion of the service.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Paws of Hertford County, PO Box 153, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Francis family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
aunt Peggy& Jeff I was just looking thru this web site, not knowing your lose, me an Sherry, are heart broken, we did not know! we are sorry for your lose so soon. we love you all and keep you in are prayers always. may GOD be with you all.
My condolences for your tremendous loss. The pain is at times unbearable, but God be with you and sustain you in the days to come. My heart breaks for you.
Tanner was a special friend he always had a hug coming and going no matter if he only stayed 5 minutes or 5 hours his smile would light up the day he cared about his friends he always made a point of telling you if you needed him he was only a phone call away.Now this sweet Angel has received his Wings Tanner when you get to heaven please tell my son Chris that I miss him and you will never know how much you will be miss ,I Love you both,
Mama Trish
We are so sad to hear of your loss. When reading his obituary, it sounds like he was loved by many and had a sweet soul. We love Jessica, Marty, Molly, Sidney and John like family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have been hearing stories about tanner since he was first born from his dear grandma Jeanne ! She loved him and was always so blessed to have such a great kid in her life. My heart is just broken to hear about Tanner leaving this world so young and I send my love and prayers to Donna, Peggy, Tracy and all his family. I hope that all of you feel the comfort of our Heavenly Father as he wrapped his arm around you in this most difficult time!
Prayers and luv to all of yoy! Let us know if we can do anything!
Praying for your family during this time. Please know you are loved and in our thoughts.
I was one of Tanner’s teachers at Ridgecroft. I loved having him in my class. I am so sorry to hear about Tanner. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Prayers to the family. I haven’t seen him in years but he is a staple of my childhood. He was such a sweet soul. We rode the bus together when I was living in pendleton. I’m blessed to have known him and he will be forever remembered ❤️ rest in heaven ❤️
Tanner was one of my babies at the daycare I was working at, little peoples, he was such a joy and sweet little boy, who grew up to be just as sweet, he always smiled and gave me a hug when we saw each other, which wasn’t often. But, he remembered me and said I was his favorite teacher. I will forever remember Tanner and he will be missed dearly. He will now be with a very dear Angel close to my heart in heaven now, my sweet mama, Miss Mary Boone, she will give him the biggest hug and a warm smile. You Rest In Peace, my sweet Tanner.