William Raymond Francis, Jr., better known as Bill, died on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. Bill was born in Ashe County, North Carolina to William Raymond Francis, Sr., and Elizabeth Akers Ervin on December 30, 1934. Bill is survived by his wife, Jerrie Edwards Francis, daughter Michele Lemly and husband Keith of Fleetwood, daughter Stephanie Hart and husband Steve of West Jefferson, and dearly loved grandchildren, Hannah and Tatum Lemly. He is also survived by his three sisters Ann Graybeal of Burlington, Hannah Abee of West Jefferson, Martha Fox of Brevard , one brother John Francis of Raleigh and many nieces and nephews. Bill and Jerrie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September with their friends and loved ones in their home Bill loved pharmacy, photography, skiing, biking, sailing, reading, nature, computers, and his many gadgets. Most of all, he loved his family and host of friends. His love will live on in the hearts and lives of all those he loved dearly. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 4:00 pm at Bethany United Methodist Church, 519 NC Hwy. 194 South in West Jefferson, North Carolina. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Bill and Jerrie Francis at 504 NC Hwy 194 South in West Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Carolina Nature Conservancy, PO Box 6014, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or Bethany United Methodist Church, PO Box 1315, West Jefferson, NC 28694.