Rev. Ray A. Francis
1936-2018
Rev. Ray A. Francis – 81, of Port
Williams, NS, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 after a period
of failing health. Born in Halifax on June 29, 1936, he was the eldest
son of Rachael (Higham) Francis and James Augustine
« Gus » Francis. Following the death of his father in
October, 1940, the family moved to Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. Ray
attended school there, then furthered his studies at Mount Allison
University, Sackville, NB receiving a BA degree in 1957. Having felt
the « call » to the Ministry, Ray studied theology at Emmanuel
College, Toronto, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1960. He
chose Emmanuel as he wanted to study under an Old Testament professor,
Robert Dobbie, who was very knowledgeable of the works of Paul
Tillich, a well renowned philosopher and theologian. Following his
ordination in The United Church of Canada, Ray served in pastorates in
Nova Scotia (Maitland; Yarmouth) and New Brunswick (Glen Falls;
Bathurst). In late 1980, Ray was named the Superintendent of the
Children’s Training Centre, Digby, NS and remained there till the
closing of the Centre in 1992. Following this, Ray continued work with
the Department of Community Services as an Adult Protection Worker in
the tri-county area of Nova Scotia. He retired from this in 1997. Ray
returned to the pastorate in November, 1997 serving the former
Wolfville Pastoral Charge (1997 – June, 1999), and then the
former Canard United Church, Kings Co., NS from 1999 – 2005. From
July, 2005 – June, 2008, Ray had Interim Ministries in First
United Church, Bathurst, NB; Woodlawn United Church, Dartmouth, NS and
Waterville/Berwick United Churches, NS. In the communities where Ray
served, be it Church or Government, he was involved in the church at
the Presbytery level and in community volunteer work. Ray is survived
by his wife, Sheila (Branch) Francis, Port Williams, NS; his daughter,
Jeannie (Kenny) Snyder, Ashland, Virginia, USA; his son, John (Emily)
Francis, South Mailtand, Hants Co., NS; his sister-in-law, Katherine
Francis, Moncton, NB; his first wife, Arlene C. Francis, Truro, NS; as
well as extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents;
brother, Frank; a cherished cousin, Dr. Ross A. Stanway; and two
children in infancy. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be
held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018 in the White Family
Funeral Home, Kentville, where a Service of Celebration &
Thanksgiving will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018. A
reception will follow. Interment will take place at a later date in
Sackville, NB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valley
Hospice Foundation, Orchard Valley United Church or a charity of your
choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family
Funeral Home and Cremation Services,
Kentville.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rev Ray A Francis 19362018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia
