Mr. Norman Edward Francis, Sr. 82, of Trumann, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in and a lifetime resident of Trumann he was a well known businessman for over 50 years. He was a member of the Shady Grove School Board, manager of the Shady Grove ball team, chairman of the Trumann Planning & Zoning Commissioner, former member of the Trumann City Council, member of the Trumann Masonic Lodge 693, a 32nd degree mason and a member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann. Mr. Francis was preceded in death by four sisters, one brother and was the son of the late Ray William and Birdie Iola Wallace Francis.

Survivors include two daughters, Norma Jean Anderson of Jonesboro and Mary Jane King of Trumann; three sons, Norman E. Francis Jr., Michael Ray Francis and William Howard "Bill" Francis all of Trumann; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Trumann with Dr. Tad Rogers and Rev. Russell Hamm officiating. Burial will follow in the in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Ken Stockton, Noyl Houston, K.W. Webb, Ronnie Harrison, Bill Cook, and Carter Grindstaff.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Men's Sunday School Class, Dr. Floyd Smith, Buddy Watson, Gerald Crawford, Dr. D.V. Patel, Dr. James Robinette, Larry Mills, Steve Imboden and Eades Brothers Shady Grove ball team.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home.

An online register can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.