In loving memory of Deacon Francis deSales Head, Jr.

Obituary

Deacon Francis deSales Head, Jr. was born in Griffin, Georgia on February 12, 1970. He attended Griffin High School and graduated in 1988. After graduation Francis enlisted and was preparing for a career in the military until he was involved in a motorcycle accident in 1990. He sustained multiple injuries including becoming a t-8 paraplegic.

During his rehabilitation, he attended college where he met his wife, Stacey. After just two months of dating, they were married in 1992 and lived near their hometown. In 2004, Francis and Stacey adopted their son, Will, through Catholic Charities in Atlanta.

Deacon Francis earned a bachelor’s degree from Clayton State University in Information Technology. He enjoyed a career that included working for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and the Georgia-Pacific Corporation. His most recent position was as a teacher and technology coordinator at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Georgia.

The Head family was heavily involved in several ministries in their church such as being a part of the core team for Life Teen and training Altar Servers. He also joined the Knights of Columbus and became a fourth degree knight. Francis felt called to the permanent diaconate. He attended the Diaconate formation program in the Archdiocese of Atlanta for five years and on February 2, 2013 was ordained by Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. He served as a deacon for five years, assigned to St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. In addition to parish ministry presiding at baptisms, funerals, and weddings, he served as a member of the Archbishop’s Advisory Committee on Disabilities Ministry. He was also a member of the core team for Toni’s Camp, a respite camp for people with developmental disabilities.

Francis, his wife Stacey and son, Will moved to Florida from Atlanta 3-4 years ago. While searching for a parish they came across St. John XXIII and felt so welcomed to our parish. Since being assigned to St. John XXIII, Deacon Francis served at Cypress Point Senior Living Facility, American House Senior Living Facility, Chaplain for Eagle Scout Camp, and Stations of the Cross. He was a great preacher and assisted at Mass, funerals and performed the Rite of Committal.

Let us hold this family in our prayers that they continue to flourish under the watchful loving eyes of God and Deacon Francis, a friend, a teacher, but most importantly a devoted husband and father.
Deacon Francis Head is survived by his wife Stacey Head, his son William Head, his sister Cate Smith, and his brother David Head.

Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society is honored to serve the Heady family during this difficult time.