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MURFREESBORO – Tanner Brett Francis, age 25, of Holly Hill Road, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at his home. A precious angel gone way too soon.

Tanner was born on November 18, 1994 to John “Jef” Eldridge Francis, III and Donna Brett Francis in Hertford County, NC. Tanner graduated from Ridgecroft High School and went on to receive his welding certification from the RCCC. Tanner was an avid outdoorsman who was introduced to this way of life by his Grandlilly and G-Ma Francis at an early age. Snacks became a regular staple of his outdoor trips as a result of his G-Ma always making sure he had plenty when he went. He was also a movie buff and developed this love from his Granny Jeanne. He loved the outdoors and was always up for a hunting or fishing trip. Tanner was always sure to have plenty of snacks around when he went on fishing trips with Granddaddy and Grandma Francis. Tanner enjoyed being a heavy equipment operator and handled those big machines with ease. He had a great love for all animals.

It is often said that a man is best known by the comments friends make. He would have been so proud to hear that “He was like a brother to me”, “One of a kind”, “Awesome Dude with a golden smile”, and “a hugger who was quick to tell you he loved you.”

To his family, Tanner will always be remembered as a loving and caring son, grandson, nephew, and cousin. His smile and laugh will forever be ingrained in our memories. Tanner was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Jeanne Brett Edwards; maternal grandfathers, Donald T. Brett and William W.  “Billy” Edwards; and his paternal grandfather, John Eldridge Francis, Jr.

Left to cherish Tanner’s memory is his loving mother, Donna of the home; his father, “Jef”, of Pendleton; paternal grandmother, Peggy Vinson Francis of Pendleton; two aunts, Tracy Pearce and husband Paul of Murfreesboro, and Jessica Francis Deal and Dr. Martin of Oxford, NC; five special cousins, Nathan Pearce, Lauren Pearce, Molly Deal, Sydney Deal, and John Deal; and many friends.

Due to the COVID-19 circumstances, Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel will be open for friends to sign the register book on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 11:00 am until we leave for the service at the church.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 4 p.m. at Meherrin Baptist Church with Rev. John Porter officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery and the family will receive friends at the conclusion of the service.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Paws of Hertford County, PO Box 153, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search fund, type: Tanner Francis

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Francis family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.