Marvin Vernon Francis, Jr. was born and raised in Brookneal, Virginia. He was the son of Marvin Francis Sr. and Augusta Guthrie. He passed away on June 12, 2024, in Winona, Missouri, at the age of 75.

He was first a hero to his country when he served 2 tours in Vietnam. After coming back home he met the love of his life Debbie Doss, and soon after married her. They loved riding his motorcycle and hunting. After seeing a piece of land on the back of a magazine they moved to Missouri. Here he built a cabin and raised his family. This is when he became a hero to his family.

He was someone to look up to and know that he was always there for you. He was a hard-working man who had a dream of more for his farm. He turned his passion for hunting into a lifelong dream and created Piney Ridge Hunting Ranch. At times he could be hard on you but it's because he wanted to push you to be more. After all, he saw potential in each of you. He loved going on hunting or fishing trips with his family. Whether it was going across the world to hunt exotic animals or going to Texas with the guys to kill hogs, he loved hunting with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Debbie; and kids, Marvin III, Aundrea, Camron, and Ed; his grandsons Jett, and Lil Man; his great niece Kloey; brother, Chess; and many more family members who loved spending time with him on the farm.

A private family-guided Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Piney Ridge Ranch, Winona, Missouri. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona. Memorial Contributions may be made to St Jude Children's Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.