Francis Smith Carnes Jr.

Francis Smith Carnes Jr. of Easton, MD, age 87, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 12, 2023. He was a long-time resident of Stevensville, MD, always calling his much-loved Mattapex Plantation “home”. Born on November 13,1935 to the late Francis Smith Carnes, Sr. and Maugarette Goudelock Carnes in Baltimore, Maryland, Francis was the middle of three children. He received his high school diploma from McDonogh School in 1954, and his bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1958. Upon graduation he launched a distinguished career in Property and Casualty Insurance and Surety Bonds, joining his father's company, "Francis S. Carnes, Inc." in Baltimore, MD. Francis’s dedication to his clients was the hallmark of his career, and in 2005, after nearly 50 years and two company mergers (Alexander & Alexander and AON Risk Services), he retired from the industry. During his working years, he dabbled in farming and raising thoroughbred racehorses. When he wasn’t “on the farm” he could often be found at a field trial with his cherished Vizsla gun dogs, out enjoying local hunting or in some far away country in search of exotic game. His summers were spent crabbing on his beautiful custom built Chesapeake Bay boat Mattapex Mistress, imparting the thrill of the catch to his children, grandchildren, and friends. Although he often used the term “It’s OK, take a break!”, break time for him consisted of shooting tournament sporting clays and traveling the world with the love of his life, his wife, Pat. He was a member of the Kent Island United Methodist Church, the Safari Club International, the Black Water Sportsman Club, the Lower Tunk Fishing Club, and the Little One’s Fishing Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed everything that nature provided. Francis valued integrity, honesty, and hard work; values which he inspired in his 5 children and 9 grandchildren. He was disciplined and enjoyed keeping busy at the business of life. He was generous with his time, his counsel, and his resources. He was a man of deep faith, trusting that God forgives all sins and loves all people. Francis is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia Carol (Fritze) Carnes; four daughters Kimberly Carnes Poitras, of Baltimore, MD, Laura Carnes Celaya (Carlos), of Savannah GA, Patricia Carnes Ware, D.V.M. (Mathew) of Stevensville, MD., and Jeanne Lynn Geisler of North East, MD; and son, Francis S. Carnes III, of Monkton, MD. Francis is also survived by eight grandchildren; Justine Elise Poitras (fiancée Steve) of Bel Air, MD, Lillian Catherine Starr of King of Prussia, PA, Harriet Martha Starr of North East, MD, LTJG Virginia Jane Ware of The United States Navy, Caroline Grace Ware of Philadelphia, PA, Maria Josefa Celaya, Carlos Llovera Celaya III, and Estelle Lurana Celaya all of Savannah, GA; as well as his nephew Nicholas (Nick) B.M. Kemp (Dawn) and nieces Maugarette (Peg) Gerns (The Reverend Canon Andrew) and Frances (Jeff) Kemp. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Malcolm Richard Carnes, elder sister Nancy Carnes Kemp, son-in-law Michael Jean Poitras (husband to Kim) and granddaughter, Catherine (Catie) Theresa Carnes, daughter of Francis S. Carnes III. A public memorial service will be held on Tuesday September 26, 2023, at 11 am at Kent Island United Methodist Church 2739 Cox Neck Rd., Chester, MD, with visitation from 10-11 am. Private interment will be at Stevensville Cemetery, Stevensville, MD during which all are invited to remain at the church for a memorial luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Vizsla Welfare Foundation at https://vcawf.org.

Francis Smith Carnes Jr.

November 13, 1935 - September 12, 2023