MARION, VIRGINIA: JOSEPH EDWARDS FRANCIS, age 63, died Monday, January 9, 2006 in Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, Tennessee. Joe was a member of First United Methodist Church, Marion, Virginia and Treasurer for the Sunday school; served with the Marion Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Lions Club of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Edwards and Lutie Catron Francis. He is survived by his wife, Judith G. Francis of Marion, Virginia; Three children, Debbie Wheeler and her husband, Chris of Bowie, Maryland, Mike Francis and his wife, Teressa of Morgan Hill, California, and Todd Francis and his wife, Susie of Roanoke, Virginia; One sister, Janet Gerecz of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Three aunts, Annie Edwards Francis and Louise Catron both of Marion, Virginia, Jan Catron of Bristol, Virginia; and six grandchildren, Ryan Wheeler, Nicholas Francis, Adam Wheeler, Samuel Francis, Scott Francis, and Megan Wheeler also survive. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the close friends and doctors who provided support and love through Joe's illnesses. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Jeff Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to American Heart Association, c/o Debbie Rogers, 576 Fowler Street, Marion, Virginia, 24354 or American Cancer Society, P.O. box 246, Abingdon, Virginia 24212.