Albert Hall Francis, 92, was called home on September 1, 2016.

He was born at a crossroads intersection known as "Little Texas" located in Southampton County to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Francis, in March 1924. He shared his life with his adoring wife of 54 years, Ann Joyner Francis, until her departure in October 2007.

He graduated Valedictorian from Drewryville High School in 1941, and was selected for an FBI training program. Just over a year later, he began his military career in 1942, attended the Aviation Cadet Program, ultimately flying C-47 and C-46 transport aircraft. During his career, he served in a wide range of assignments and conducted multiple missions within the US Army Air Corps and Air Force to include 111 combat missions in support of WW II China campaign, and 14th Air Force operations.

Lt. Colonel, Francis, USAF, Retired, had a distinguished flying career, well decorated, receiving the Flying Cross and Air Medal. He is credited with a variety of accomplishments including flying sorties during the Chinese support operations in Nanking, China and rescuing forty soldiers who were isolated for two weeks. At the culmination of his flying career he was assigned to the C-130 aircraft, providing support during the Vietnam Conflict.

He received an invitation and met with President Bush in 2007. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1969, he served in various functions with the Hampton School Board, and achieved numerous accomplishments in the Hampton Roads real estate industry.

Colonel Francis moved to Hampton in 1953 and was a longtime member of Bethany United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Hampton Rotary and received The Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Award.  He was a longtime resident at the Chamberlin.

He leaves behind one brother, Ernest C. Francis, Jr. of Hampton, one daughter Mary Ann Leftwich of Hopewell, a son Albert H Francis, Jr., MD., and daughter-in-law, Eva, of Hampton, seven grandsons, Jarad, Brandon (Meredith), Timothy (Crystal) Jesse (Dana), Tripp (Kara), Jacob, and Conner (Lauren), three great grandsons Hunter, Andrew, Tucker, and FINALLY a great granddaughter, Libby Kate.

He will be remembered as a warrior, a true southern gentleman, with a generous spirit. He always helped others in need and freely gave of himself. His glass was never half empty. He had kind words of encouragement for all and never missed an opportunity to show genuine gratitude; he never missed an opportunity to say Thank You.  He will be deeply missed.

The family will meet friends from 3-6 pm Sunday at R Hayden Smith Funeral Home, downtown Hampton. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 am , Monday at Bethany United Methodist Church, Hampton; burial will be at Beechwood Cemetery, Boykins, VA at 3 pm .