Jeffrey Scott French, 60, of Sherrills Ford, N.C., entered the presence of his Lord, Jesus Christ, on July 12, 2023. Jeff was born on February 13, 1963, to James and Angela French.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Rocky Mount Church with Pastor Jamie Hamrick officiating. The family will gather one hour prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the narthex. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Ministry at Rocky Mount, 1739 Perth Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.
Jeff was a loving and devoted husband, father, and Christ-follower, and is survived by his wife Tracy, daughters Kayla and Cassie, and sons-in-law Garret Sweeney and Jon Mc Elfresh. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim, Sherry, Corey, Lisa, and Tim, and was preceded to glory by his father, James, and mother, Angela.
Jeff met his beloved, Tracy Wilding, while the two were performing in the El Modena High School Marching Band in Orange, Calif. After Tracy asked Jeff out on their first movie date, both knew their love was meant to be. After three years together, the pair married on September 15, 1984. Five years later, they welcomed their first child, Kayla, into their lives, and three-and-a-half years later their second daughter, Cassie, was born.
As his children grew, Jeff devoted himself to providing for his family, working variously as a security officer and a property manager. He also became the primary caretaker for the girls while Tracy traveled for work. It was after Jeff and Tracy met that he also met Jesus. Jeff’s faith was at the center of his life, and he faithfully served in each church he attended. At Trinity Church in Redlands, Calif., Jeff served as a youth leader for middle school boys and worked with Hands of Mercy ministry to build homes for impoverished families in El Zorillo, Mexico. Jeff faithfully served at Trinity until the family moved to North Carolina in 2008. In North Carolina, Jeff volunteered for a short time as a greeter at Journey Church in Huntersville, but soon found a home at Rocky Mount Church in Mooresville. At Rocky Mount, Jeff volunteered as part of the production team until shortly before his passing.
Jeff was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and never think to ask for it back. He spoke loudly, laughed hard, and loved big. Jeff was forever truly and authentically Jeff. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Jeff loved him, and knew they were loved by him.
Jeff is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, and as one nephew has said, “Everybody needs an Uncle Jeff.”
“Have I not commanded you — Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!” (Joshua 1:9)
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the French family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.