Dr. Charles Edward Francis, age 98, of Ash, NC formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at his home with family at his side.

Dr. Francis was born in Humble, (Harris County) TX on July 19, 1927, and was one of seven children born to the late Thomas Barker and Eva Lena Hicks Francis. In addition to his parents, Dr. Francis was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, Doris King Francis in 2019. Also predeceased are his siblings, infant girl Francis, James Harrison Francis (Elena), Mildred F. Kerr (Lewis), Ida Mae F. Fugler (Laverne), Euclid C. "Buddy" Francis, and Thomas Ray Francis (Erma).

Charles graduated from Aldine High School and from Texas A&M School of Veterinarian Medicine in 1954. He then served the US Department of Agriculture from 1954 to 1955. He was in the US Air Force Veterinarian Corps from 1955 through 1957 and held the rank of Captain. After leaving the service, Charles practiced veterinary medicine in Charlotte, NC. He retired from his practice (Eastway Animal Hospital) in Charlotte, NC. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association for over 70 years. He enjoyed anything outdoors including yard work, gardening, fishing, and woodworking, and in his younger days of 60's and 70's, he enjoyed jogging, biking, swimming, and golfing.

Surviving are a son, Mark Francis (Denise); sister-in-law, Billie Joe "BJ", daughter, Lisa F. Smith (Edward); grandchildren, Austin Francis, Hayden Smith (Sami) and Nathan Smith.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00, PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Soldier Bay Baptist Church, Ash, NC with The Reverend Jason L. Benton officiating. His final resting place will be Glenwood Memorial Park in Mooresville, NC, alongside his wife of 59 years.

The family respectfully requests that donations be made in his name to the Soldier Bay Baptist Church Building Fund, at Post Office Box 10, Ash, NC 28420.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service

Soldier Bay Baptist Church, "Building Fund"
Post Office Box 10, Ash NC 28420