Roderick Pierce Francis, age 63, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Corewell Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. The son of Lester Walter & Virginia Ruth (Pierce) Francis, he was born on March 16, 1963 in Monroe, Michigan.

Roderick was a professional stage hand with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and was a man of many talents, including a bass player, singer, guitar player, and sketch artist. His music drew crowds from all over the state, with his band Live Wire opening for acts such as Robin Trower, and Survivor.

His music knowledge was vast, and was handed down to both of his children -- whom are also musically inclined. Some of his favorite bands were Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, and Queensryche. He also could sing Ozzy songs so perfectly it was hard to tell them apart.

He loved his wife, the former Trudi Kay Pozniak dearly, having met her at a show he was playing. They married on August 26, 1989, in Milan, Michigan, and their wedding song was "Still In Love With You" by Thin Lizzy, and after 37 years those words could not be more true.

Roderick was an avid comic book and toy collector, with a collection spanning over 40 years. This hobby lives on in his children, along with his love of and vast knowledge of good films. Some of his favorite films include John Wayne's True Grit, Full Metal Jacket, Spun, and various horror films.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Donald Francis, John Francis, Paul Francis, and Lester Francis.

Surviving are his wife, Trudi Francis of Grand Rapids; their children, Alicia Kay Francis Hicks & Jeremy Hicks of Greenville, and Roderick P. “Rod” Francis II of Grand Rapids; a brother, Rocky Francis; and several nieces and nephews.

The family invites relatives and friends to celebrate Roderick’s life from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Olson-Kiste Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4406 located at 114 N. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Roderick’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.