Ernest H Francis

Columbia—A limited-occupancy Mass of Christian Burial for Ernest H. Francis, Jr, 84, will be held this Friday, October 30, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210, and via the church Facebook page. The family will receive friends from 9-9:45 a.m. at the church. A private immediate family entombment will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. Habib, as he was lovingly called by many (which means, appropriately, “beloved”), was born on January 7, 1936, in Great Falls, SC, and departed this life on October 23, 2020. He was the son of the late Ernest H. Francis, Sr., and Rashida Francis, of Great Falls, SC, via Beirut, Lebanon. Habib was a proud first-generation college graduate of the University of South Carolina. And he would spend the rest of his life as a member of the Gamecock Club, yelling at the refs at football games, and ‘waiting until next year’ when Gamecock football would no longer disappoint. Oh well. However, nothing made him prouder than being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a generous and kind spirit and would do anything for anyone. He loved his family greatly and considered many friends part of his extended family. He cherished his family heritage and loved the reunions and gatherings of his Lebanese kin. He spent over 40 years working for the IRS, as an Appeals Officer. In retirement, he worked for the SC Department of Revenue. Ernie was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his loving wife, of 53 years, Judy Francis; daughter, Melanie Francis (Al Schnier) of New Hartford, NY; sons, Kevin Francis (Heidi) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Scott Francis, of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren, Harrison, Collin, Jackson and Carson Francis, and Benjamin and Ayla Schnier; along with his beloved family dog, Lucy. Those who preceded him were his parents, a brother and two sisters. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the family cannot receive guests after the services. A celebration of life will take place at a safer time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Mr. Francis.