Samuel David Francis

Samuel David Francis entered Heaven on February 13, 2023, after a battle with Pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Samuel was a man with many gifts, and he lived life to the fullest. His generous heart, gentle nature, and quick-witted humor were daily blessings to those who knew and loved him. He enjoyed life’s small pleasures with a laugh that made his entire face smile, and his wisdom often seemed beyond his years. Samuel attended High School at San Leandro High School in California and entered the Marine Corps reserves after graduation, becoming a Radio Operator Corporal. After his honorable discharge, he held several jobs before serving his fellow citizens again, this time as an officer in the Oakland California Police Department’s canine unit. Samuel was a police officer until he retired and attended Cal State East Bay University, majoring in Spanish, followed by law school at the University of California Hastings in San Francisco on the Tony Patiño Fellowship awarded for excellence in leadership and academics to a student displaying good moral character and ethical conduct. He graduated with honors, three Witkin Awards for attaining the highest grade in courses designated by the Witkin Institute, and various other Certificates of Excellence, all things he never discussed in life. Samuel eventually started the Francis Gourgon & Gonzalez law firm with his partners. Samuel had many passions in life, and he picked up new ones frequently due to his love for learning. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing and writing music, fishing and tying his own flies, camping and exploring nature, growing and eating the hottest chili peppers imaginable, and building a future on the family farm where his next endeavor was to be beekeeping. Yet none of these passions compared to his love and devotion to family and friends. God and family always came first with Samuel, and he frequently made it known that his favorite thing in life was being a Dad. Samuel is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Francis, and his brother, James Francis. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Francis, and his children, Madeline Francis, Caleb Francis, Christabel Francis, and Hailey Cross. He also leaves behind his Mother, Elsa Francis, and his siblings, Daniel Francis, Adam Francis, Jacob Francis, Elizabeth Francis, and Rachel Koski. Samuel was a blessing, and his loved ones will miss him dearly. Funeral services are scheduled for March 4 at 11 AM at Victory at Pistol Creek Baptist Church in Maryville, TN. A memorial service at Trinity Baptist Church in Livermore, CA, is scheduled for March 11 at 11 AM. Please direct any memorials to Victory at Pistol Creek Baptist Church in Maryville, TN.