Samuel E. Francis Jr., 85

Samuel E. Francis Jr., 85, passed away September 18, 2026.

Born June 1, 1941, Sam graduated from Cool Springs High School in 1959, where he played clarinet and served as drum major his senior year. He graduated from Florida State University in 1966 with a degree in Marketing and proudly served six years in the United States Army Reserve.

Sam spent his career in leadership and business. After serving as Director of North Dade Hospital in Miami, he purchased a hot and cold therapy manufacturing company in 1977 that became ColdStar International. In 2014, after a fire destroyed the company, Sam and his son Justin, along with their loyal employees, rebuilt the business and were back in operation within six weeks.

Sam married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Lattimore Francis, and they shared 65 years of marriage.

Above all, Sam loved his family and his faith. He loved Jesus. He was a devoted father to Justin Francis and Kellie Francis Dart and proud grandfather to Caroline and Charlotte Dart.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Earl Francis Sr. and Mary Hazel Baynard Francis.

Visitation will be held September 25 from 11-11:45am at Padgett and King Mortuary, followed by a graveside service at noon at Cool Springs Cemetery.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.