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Gathering of friends: Visitation set for Monday for attorney Dennis Francis

Francis, 78, died Oct. 29 at his West Knox County home.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Friends and community members can pay their respects Monday to the family of longtime Knoxville attorney Dennis Francis, who died Oct. 29 at age 78.

A receiving of friends will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Kingston Pike. A rosary will be said for Francis at 6:30 p.m. there.

Francis died at his West Knox County home after a recent cancer diagnosis.

A Buffalo, N.Y., native and diehard Bills fan, he practiced law for decades in East Tennessee. He defended any who needed help, including the poor and voiceless and law officers accused of wrongdoing.

Francis loved antique watches and antiques in general. He could be profane, but that was usually just a sign that he liked you.

He was a frequent expert commentator on WBIR and panelist on the station's Sunday morning public affairs program, "Inside Tennessee". Many admired his wild head of hair but wondered what he was always chewing while on the interview set.

At times he seemed quiet and unassuming but then would unleash a stinging question at a political guest. It was typical of his wit and intellect, both of which were formidable.

Inevitably if he called you, his first remark would be, "What's the latest gossip?" When he closed his conversation with you, he'd always say, "Carry on in the spirit of Christian fellowship."

A Democrat, Francis liked to regale listeners about an array of things, including the time he got arrested amid sweeping police action at the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention, a violent moment in a terrible year in American history. WBIR had hoped he could offer commentary to WBIR from this August's convention in Chicago, but he was unable to attend.

He'd previously been chair of the Knox County Election Commission and served on the state Democratic Executive Committee.

Francis also loved and looked out for his family passionately, through good times and bad.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa Habiger, daughter McKennah and grandchildren Bentley and Grayson.

His funeral mass will be noon Tuesday, Election Day, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Farragut.

No doubt if he were still with us he'd ask all of you who haven't voted yet to be sure and do so Tuesday.

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