Richard E. Francis

RICHARD E. FRANCIS "Dick" On June 26, 2010, of Crownsville, MD. Cherished son of the late Eugene B. Francis and Marian L. Hostronder; beloved husband of Dolores Joy; loving father of Dean and his wife Donna and David and his wife Holley; grandfather of Wesley, Mason, Jacob, Cole, Nicholas, and the late Racheal and Rebecca. Born on September 14, 1938 to Eugene B. Francis and Marian L. Hostronder, Richard spent his boyhood in New York State, moving to Baltimore in 1955, graduating from Southern High School in 1956, and attending McCoy College. Married in April 1960, Richard and his wife moved to Crownsville, MD (Anne Arundel County) in 1968, where he became active in Arden on the Severn Community Association. As the chairman of the Recreation Committee, Richard negotiated with the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation successfully for additional land and improvements to the park and athletic fields in Arden. Richard organized a community men's softball league, as well as the first Arden on the Severn Little League baseball team, which he managed. Although they never won a game the first year, the boys kept their spirits up and made all their practices. Richard was labeled a peacemaker by some in the community, always seeking middle ground to settle disputes. A member of the South Shore Baptist Church, Crownsville, MD, an avid golfer and member at Walden Golf Club, Eisenhower Seniors Men's Group, and Lockwood Folly Country Club, North Carolina. Richard served as President of the Orangeville Business Association, partnering with residential community and local Baltimore City agencies to deal with issues in the community. Richard served in the Maryland Air National Guard from 1960-1966 in the 175th Tactical Fighter Squadron. From 1960-1964, Richard worked at Arundel Lumber Co. in sales and marketing. From 1964-1988, he served as Vice President of Jarvis Steel and Lumber Co. From 1988-2010, he served as President of Southern Pacific Supply Co., Inc. Family will receive friends at the BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm. A funeral service will be held at South Shore Baptist Church, 725 Herald Harbor Rd., Crownsville, MD 21032 on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:00am. Interment, Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to South Shore Baptist Church.