Obituary of Ronald K. Francis

Mr. Ronald K. Francis, 92, of Brightridge Drive in Bridgeport, WV, slipped peacefully from this life on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, held close by some of the family he so dearly loved. He was born on April 15, 1933, in Wellsboro, PA, the son of the late Harold Francis and Margaret (Keck) Francis Keagle. Ron was preceded in death by his cherished wife of sixty four years, Phyllis Jean (Burger) Francis, who passed on May 17, 2020. Ron and Phyl first crossed paths at Alfred University in Alfred, NY, where a friendship blossomed into a lifelong devotion. They married on September 3, 1955, in North Plainfield, NJ, beginning a love story that would anchor them for more than six decades. Ron leaves behind three sons who were the pride of his life: Russell Francis and wife Linda of Bridgeport, WV; Timothy Francis (and the late Michelle) of Atlanta, GA; Jeffrey Francis and wife Donna of Norcross, GA. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: David Francis and wife Hannah of Bridgeport, WV; Benjamin Francis and wife Melissa of Charleston, WV; Ryan Francis and wife Jessie Kate of Virginia Beach, VA; Sara Sisson and husband Zach of Atlanta, GA; Matthew Francis of Atlanta, GA; Leanne Craport and husband Trevor of Atlanta, GA; and Jenny Francis and fiancé Daniel Haab of Savannah, GA. His joy multiplied with each great grandchild—six, with two more on the way: Annabel, Audrey, and Alexandra Francis of Bridgeport, WV; Lucy and Annie Francis of Virginia Beach, VA; and Warren “Sonny” Sisson of Atlanta, GA. Ron is also survived by his brother in law Don Lewis of Wellsboro, PA, as well as many nieces and nephews who held him in deep affection. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan (Francis) Lewis of Wellsboro, PA; his daughter in law Michelle (Morris) Francis of Atlanta, GA; sisters in law Marilyn (and Lionel Jr.) Howard and Roberta (Richard) Kiss; brother in law Elmer Burger, Jr.; and in laws Elmer Sr. and Margaret (Bailey) Burger. Ron graduated from Wellsboro High School in 1951 and from Alfred University in 1955 with a degree in Ceramic Engineering. Throughout his distinguished career, he held numerous leadership roles, but some of his most meaningful work came through his early and courageous efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. His advocacy on behalf of employees at Pittsburgh Corning Corporation and its parent company, Pittsburgh Plate Glass, led him to serve as an expert witness in countless court cases. His testimony became so widely sought that it was eventually filmed to reduce the demands of his travel. Ron later retired as President of McDanel Refractory Porcelain Company, opening the door for him and Phyl to explore the world together—something they embraced wholeheartedly. Ron lived a remarkable life—one filled with achievement, adventure, and an abundance of love. A gifted athlete, he earned four varsity letters in baseball and three in basketball at Wellsboro High School. He played semi pro baseball in the Tri County League from 1949–1953, an accomplishment later honored with his induction into the Tioga County (PA) Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 1992. He also played varsity basketball for Alfred University. Golf, however, became his lifelong passion. Ron loved the game in every form—playing it, watching it, studying it, and sharing it. He and Phyl traveled to some of the world’s most celebrated courses and attended the 118th Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland as well as several Masters Tournaments. He was the Beaver Valley Country Club Men’s Champion (1982) and the Tyoga Country Club Member Guest Champion (2004). Over the years, he made several holes in one—including one while playing left handed. Their winters in Florida, spent on the fairways of Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto and Grenelefe in Haines City, were among their happiest seasons, but golf was never more meaningful than when shared with family. In 2006, they played their final round with their three sons at Beaver Valley Golf Club, a day they commemorated by framing the scorecard. Yet for all the places he traveled and all he accomplished, Ron’s heart always returned home to his family. They were his constant joy, his greatest blessing, and the truest measure of his life. To know Ron was to feel welcomed, valued, and loved. He was kind and gracious, intelligent and humble, generous with his time and steadfast in his friendships. A meticulous keeper of memories, he nurtured relationships across every chapter of his life—childhood friends, college companions, colleagues, neighbors, and everyone in between. Ron loved deeply and lived fully. His legacy is written not only in achievements, but in the countless lives he touched with warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Friends will be received on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 2pm until 4pm and from 6pm until 8pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9 am until 10 am. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 10 am with Reverend Dr. Matthew Paugh officiating. A service of committal will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.