Mr. Clem Robert Francis, 82, of 344 Jack Francis Road, Shelby, NC passed away Saturday, December 25, 2010. Services were held at New Hope Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Mr. Francis served our country in the U.S. Air Force – Retired Chief Masters Sergeant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley Lee and Lalar Bell Ellis Frances; 2 brothers, Norman L. Francis and Jack G. Francis; and 1 sister, Mary L. Herman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Grace K. Blanton; 2 sons, Terry R. Francis and wife Cindy of Shelby, and Jeffrey G. Francis of St. Augustine, Florida; 1 daughter, Phyllis D. Clark of Shelby; 3 sisters, Mildred M. Hoffman and husband John of Kill Devil Hill, NC, Ruby G. Hamrick and husband Arnold of N. Augusta, SC, and Shirley Sellers and husband Curt of Gastonia, NC; 1 brother, Carl A. Francis of Florence, SC; 4 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: New Hope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 116, Earl, NC 28038; or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funera Home & Crematory, Shelby, NC is serving the family.