Florida resident Ray W. Francis, 50, died July 20, 2021, at his home in Melbourne.

Ray was born October 9, 1970, in Wilson, NC.

Ray was a friend to everyone; he never met a stranger! He loved going on new adventures whenever he could. His free spirit of travel was so fun to see, and his excitement in telling about his adventures was always fun to hear.  He loved the beach and that led him to Florida, where he was his happiest.

Ray quickly learned that he had a green thumb when he started growing palm trees. This became his favorite hobby. He would video call weekly and show off "his babies." Ray was also a big music lover. From Mozart to Megadeth, you could be sure to hear his music whenever you were around him.

He worked over 20 years for Applebee's as their superstar cook. Ray could give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money! He finished up his cooking career at Charlie and Jake's in Melbourne.

Ray had a big family that loved him very much. Ray was one boy among seven sisters! Needless to say, he was fawned over and adored by them all! He also had many nieces and nephews that he fawned over!

Ray's love for the Lord gave him happiness, for he knew he would live with Him for eternity.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, Barbara Francis and Charlie Francis. He is survived by his sisters, Lisa Kelly (Dan), Nicole Dieterle (Joel), Tracy Fleischer (Frankie), Karen Edwards, Cris Blizzard, Betty Ange, and Stacy Miller. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jason Keech, Kelly Birdsong, Kelly Goss, Dylan Dieterle, Cheyanne Horne, Taylor Dieterle, and Maddie Dundlow, and long time friend, Danny Thompson.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ray's honor on a later date to be announced.