The Rev. Henry Cleveland Francis, 61, of the 800 block of NC 581 Hwy. South, died Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in the Durham Veteran’s Medical Center, Durham, NC.

Rev. Francis was born in Hertford County and was the son of the late C.M. and Della Eure Francis.  After receiving his Masters of Divinity degree, he served as pastor of Winton Baptist Church and from there pioneered numerous churches before settling in Sanford, NC as pastor of Maranatha Ministries.  Also through the years he was active in advancing Native missions near Lynchburg, VA.  He had proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a service related Disabled American Veteran from the Vietnam War.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Jason Lee Francis.

Surviving are a daughter, Christi Hrin and husband, Eric, of Washington, DC; two sons, Matthew Francis and wife, Danielle, of Charlotte and Andy Francis and wife, Kelly, of New York, NY; a daughter-in-law, Linda Francis of Charlotte; two sisters, Thelma Askew of Eure and Alice Austin of Garner; a brother, Nick Francis of Cary; the mother of his children, Patricia Deforrest of Raleigh; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 4 at Winton Baptist Church by the Revs. Joe Futrell and Dale Sauls.  Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, handling arrangements.

Friends may join  the family in the church social hall following services on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC  27834 and be directed towards the Hertford-Gates Relay for Life.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.