It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the peaceful passing of George Charles Francey on March 13, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on December 18, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, George was the cherished son of the late Jane L. Williams. Raised in the vibrant city of Syracuse, NY, he embarked on a life journey that was as expansive as it was deep, leaving a legacy of love, service, and craftsmanship.
George dedicated 25 years of his life to the United States Navy, proudly serving as an E8 Senior Chief. During his distinguished military career, he was honored with numerous accolades, including the Navy Expeditionary Medal, Fifth Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon. His service took him around the world, allowing him to explore diverse cultures and experiences, which he cherished deeply.
In 1989, George married the love of his life, Diane Elizabeth Arney, at the Church by the Sea. Together, they built a life filled with warmth and devotion, celebrating 36 years of marriage. Their union was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect, serving as a foundation for their family.
After retiring from the Navy, George continued to serve his community as the Supervisor of Driver Training for the Pinellas County School Board. His commitment to education and safety positively impacted countless students and colleagues.
A man of faith and principle, George was an Ordained Chaplain and a member of the VFW Post 9272 in Seminole, an active member of the Beeville and Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge. As a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason of Valley of Tampa and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, he exemplified the values of integrity and charity. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he dedicated himself to spreading the word of the Lord with compassion and humility.
George was a jack of all trades, with a particular passion for woodworking. His creations, crafted with skill and love, are treasured by family and friends. He was a man whose heart knew no bounds, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a word of encouragement.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Diane; his loving children, Donna (Richard) Wilcher, Chuck Francey, Scott Francey, Spring (Marcus) McKnight, and Sara (Henry) Cordoba; as well as a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the light of his life. He is predeceased by his beloved daughter, Robin Griffin, who remains forever in our hearts.
A service to celebrate George’s remarkable life will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with the honor he so richly deserves. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Metropolitan Ministries at metromin.org, continuing George’s legacy of service and compassion.
George Charles Francey will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud veteran, and a steadfast friend. His spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rest in peace, dear George, in the eternal embrace of love and serenity.
I was amazed, but not surprised, at the many accomplishments George achieved in his life. I only knew him as a warm and caring chaplain. He was so kind to spend his time, energy and love with me when he helped me make the right connections when my husband passed away. My heartfelt condolences go out to his adoring family. May you find peace in knowing what a difference he made in the lives of so many while he was here.
We love you papa bear and you will always be in our heart and on our minds. Rest in peace now without pain. I am so proud of all the things you accomplished in your life!!! See you later alligator, bye crocodile. Dont let the bed bugs bite. Good night papa bear, night little one.
To my brother. We met at Kiwanis 25 years ago. I spoke to you the day you passed. You were checking on me, like you always do. Told me about your pup! I said don’t worry it will all be ok! You said, I love you, God bless! I said, I love you! You may have been a friend in other people eyes but you and I will always be brothers! I really miss you so much! But don’t worry everyone here will be ok! I miss talking to you! I miss your texts! God has more important things for you now! Watch over your family! Till I see you again my brother, I love you! God bless!
You will be missed but will always be in our hearts.
I’ve known George for over 20 years through Oakhurst United Methodist Church, where George was a member and I was a pastor. George and I became good friends because I recognized his many great qualities: his faith, his faithfulness, his compassion and his sense of humor. George constantly asked me for new ways to serve. I was proud to teach him and then commission him as a certified lay minister of our church. I performed a number of ceremonies at Bay Pines in which George helped organize the colorguard. He served to organize colorguard at many funerals at Bay Pines, which was to him a most important responsibility: to care for other veterans. I will miss his friendship.
George will always be remembered as a friendly, helpful and caring neighbor! George offered many times to help us when we needed help and just very recently he offered his help! George gave us flowers with the most recent being a Christmas plant which just recently bloomed after a year or so. I greatly appreciated his contributions to the Oakhurst United Church including being an active Certified Lay Minister. George will be missed and we pray for his wife Diane and family.
George was a wonderful man and we were lucky enough to have him as a neighbor for many years. He was compassionate and generous. We will miss him greatly and will keep Diane and his family in our prayers.
We feel very fortunate to have been one of George’s neighbors for over 20 years. He always greeted you with a smile and had a generous spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and grandchildren. May your memories be a blessing.