Francis, Ray Franklin

Longtime Signal Mountain Fire Chief

  • Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Ray Francis
Ray Francis

Ray Franklin Francis, 83, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2022.

Ray retired as fire chief of Signal Mountain after 30 years of service. He started working at Signal Mountain police department in 1965 and worked his way up to Captain of Police and Fire Department. He was the fire chief from 1977 to 1995. He was a member of Signal Mountain Lodge 758 and Masonic Lodge for 51 years, also, 32 degree Scottish Rites of Chattanooga.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Juanita Marie Francis and parents Samuel and Nora Francis.

Survivors include his three sons, David (Regina) Francis, Burton (Brenda) Francis and Timothy (Carole) Francis; five grandchildren, Brittany (William) Frizzell, Timothy Francis, Jr., Gavin Morrison, Brandon (Erica) Francis, and Matthew Francis; two great grandchildren, Emmalyn Frizzell and Bentley Francis; several nieces, nephews and a special caregiver Laurie Malone.

Visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 2, from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday, from 12-1 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home in Hixson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Hamilton Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Sanders officiating.

Mr. Francis will be laid to rest with his wife at the Chattanooga Memorial Park Cemetery in Red Bank with a Masonic service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.

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