Edward D. Francis, IV, 69, of Marion died Thursday, November 28, 2019 at home surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Kristine A. (Joseph) Francis.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Edward D. Francis, III and Florence J. (Lopes) Francis, he lived in Mattapoisett for most of his life before moving to Marion in 1996.
He was a graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and later served in the United States Army.
Edward was employed as a truck driver by Nichols Trucking Company in Middleboro and was formerly employed by Guard Enterprises, Gold Medal Bakery, and Roseland Nursery. He had also formerly been self-employed as E.F. Trucking and later Yellowbird Trucking. Additionally, he had worked as a scalloper and a farrier.
“GPS Eddie” “Uncle Eddie” or “Fast Eddie”, as he was known, was everyone’s go-to-man. He enjoyed camping at Ellis Haven and Maple Park, splitting and selling firewood, plowing, and truck driving. He was also an avid Reba McEntire fan.
He is survived by his wife, Kristine; four children, James Francis of New Bedford, Airyelle Francis of Marion, Robert Francis of New Bedford, and Holly Turner of Mattapoisett; three grandchildren, Annabelle May Harwood, Malikai Joseph Francis, and Hollyn Turner; five siblings, Arnold Francis, Ginny Francis, Beverly Howland, Barbara Pepin, and Paul Francis; three special nephews, Alexzander, Noah, and Benjamin Franco and their mother, Sarah August; and several other nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was predeceased by his brother, Philip Francis.
Eddie’s family would like to thank Dr. Blanchard, Dr. Eby, and the entire staff at the Southcoast Cancer Center for the care given to him during his illness.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 2 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Visitation will be held from 11 AM-2 PM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
