Title
To celebrate the life, legacy and service of David Eugene Francis and extend our deepest condolences to his family on his passing; Wednesday, October 28th 2020.
Body
WHEREAS, the members of Columbus City Council extend this resolution of expression to honor the life, legacy, and service of Mr. David Francis who passed-away on Wednesday, October 28th 2020; and
WHEREAS, Mr. David Francis was born on March 22nd 1957 in Columbus, Ohio to the marital union of Chester and Pearl Francis; and
WHEREAS, David grew up on the southeast side of Columbus; participating in the recreation program at Kent Elementary, playing reserve basketball at Roosevelt Jr. High School and becoming a proud graduate of South High School in 1975; and
WHEREAS, David attended Union Grove Baptist Church as a young man and would later accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior through a friend who was a minister; and
WHEREAS, David developed an interest in the culinary arts which began with his first job in downtown Columbus at the Lazarus Department Store within “The Chintz Room” Restaurant - It was there that he met and would develop a longtime friendship with William “Bill” Williams Sr. -
After leaving Lazarus, Bill reached out to David and asked him to become a manager and a chef at his new restaurant, “The Marble Gang“, located on Mt Vernon Avenue on the near east side of Columbus - David served in this capacity until the Marble Gang closed; from there he went on to serve as the Special Events Manager for Glory Foods which was an outgrowth of the Marble Gang’s success; and
WHEREAS, David was a quiet fun loving individual, he liked sports and was a die-hard fan of the Cleveland Browns; cooking was also one of his greatest passions; he would often cater graduations, birthdays, wedding receptions and holiday parties for family and friends - David also loved seeing people enjoy the food he created and he had a passion for supporting his family in everything they did - David always made an effort to attend any activity or school function related to his children, nieces or nephews were involved with; one always knew he would be in the crowd cheering for them; and despite his illness, he insisted on remaining the primary caregiver for his bedridden father; and
WHEREAS, David was called home on October 28th 2020 leaving a legacy of leadership and service that this community will cherish and a void which will be missed; he is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Pearl Bluford-Francis; He is survived by his Father, Deacon Chester Francis; Children, Jamecia and Kristofer Little; Special friend; Jamecia Louise Little, Brother and sister-in-law, Ricky and Vernita-Francis; Sisters and brother-in-law, Victoria and Roy Woodson-levey, Chesteen Francis; Uncle and Aunt, Rev. Willie and Virginia Bluford; Aunt, Sally Francis of Roanoke Virgina; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and faithful friends, now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby honor and celebrate the life, legacy and service of David Eugene Francis and extend our deepest condolences to his family on his passing; Wednesday, October 28th 2020.