George Robert Francis, Jr

Fuquay-Varina - George Robert Francis, JR, CW04, USMC-Retired was born March 1, 1942 in Panther Branch, NC. He was the son of the late George and Katie Francis. He attended school at Fuquay Springs High School graduating in 1960. He attended East Carolina (College) where he studied political science and played in the drum corps. He was recognized as a leader of students and started a new student political party, The University Party, when the Student Party was not living up to its name. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and served both in an active-duty role as well as a reservist during his 41 years of service. He was very proud of his Marine Corps service, obtaining the rank of CWO4 and was awarded numerous commendations and service medals. He was recognized as a rifle expert as well as a pistol sharpshooter. He would always salute and recognize other veterans when he was out, thanking them for their service. He always said, “once a Marine, always a Marine”. He also proudly worked in radio. He started his career working as a morning DJ at WOOD in 1966. He later worked for WPXY, WKIX and Big Ways Radio where he was promoted to Station Manager. He went on to work at radio stations WAKY in Louisville, KY and WWWE in Cleveland, in the early 1980s. He was the general manager at WMAG/WMFR in High Point, NC before becoming Vice President of Cumulus Broadcasting and owner of KRMD in Shreveport, La. He later moved to Greenville, SC where he started WMYI “My Radio Station”, WESC, JAMZ and 93.3 The Planet. He was recognized as one of the “50 Best Managers in Radio” by Radio Inc Magazine in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. He was often sought out for consulting by leaders in the radio business and loved helping guide the next generation of radio. He enjoyed talking about his “radio family” from each station. They were friends for life. As much as he loved the Marines and radio, he loved his family even more. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Katie Francis, his son, Stephen Charles Francis, his sister-in-law, Brenda Francis and his uncle, Al Barbour. He is survived by and loved dearly by his sister, Barbara Francis Fisher (Jerry), his brother, Larry Francis, sons, George Francis III and Hudson Francis, daughters, Susannah Sitton (Jim) and Kathryn Francis (Tom) as well as his granddaughters, Brittany Lane (Ryan) and Leota Hanood, and great-grandson Wyatt Lane. He is also survived by and was very proud of his nephews, Johnny Francis and Matthew Fisher as well as his special companion and life-long friend, Donna Clayton Lloyd. Additionally, he is survived by several beloved cousins.