Jessie Franklin Francis died June 4, 2022 in Noble, Oklahoma, at the age 85 years 1 month 17 days. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the Landmark Church in Purcell. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Rosedale, Oklahoma, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made, and service livestreamed at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.
Jessie was born April 18, 1937, in Danville, Arkansas, to William Simon and Lallie Mae (Chism) Francis. He spent his young years in Arkansas, later moving to Oklahoma.
Jessie met and entered into holy matrimony with Twana Yvonne Richardson, remaining by each other’s side for 67 glorious years. They were married in Memphis, Texas, at the home of the Methodist pastor.
Jessie spent most of his life working in log woods, as a mechanic, truck driver, farming/ranching, but mostly cutting and selling firewood. Many knew him simply as “Old Wood Cutter.” Jessie enjoyed collecting hats, pocketknives and belt buckles. His greatest two passions were preaching the gospel and being a pastor. He also loved spending time with his family and friends.
Jessie was preceded in death by parents, Simon and Lallie Francis; his daughter, Patricia; his grandsons, Nicholas and Dean; and his siblings, Mary Vallance, Minnie Stone, Martha Bullock, Chris Francis, David “Buster” Parsons and John Francis.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Twana Francis; his son, Butch Francis and wife, Katie; his daughter, Sharon Wilson and husband, Jack; his daughter, Vickie Simpson and husband, Roger; his daughter, Melissa Davis and husband, Paul; his sisters, Mildred, Wanda, Susie, Mary Lee, Betty Jo, Annie Mae, Doris, Marie, Linda, Chyrel, Joyce and Jeannette; his brother, William; his grandchildren, Tabitha and James Ayers, Denise Williamson, James and Mandy Williams, Edward and Tara Williamson, Chris and Amanda Francis, Justin and Bobbie Sue Francis, Stephen Francis, Cody and Sommer Looper, Colt Looper, Courtney and Michael Ellis, Caleb and Candice Looper, Jenny McCarty and Merkle Joseph, Julie and Chris Campbell, Jack Wilson, Natalie Wilson, Amanda Wilson, Jimmy and Janet Simpson, Butch and Emily Simpson, Daniel Harvey and Joshua Harvey; his over 55 great- and great-great grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends.
