Dr. Thomas L. Francis was raised in Greenville SC., and resides in Atlanta, Ga. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC. He matriculated thru the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, GA. Where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Dr. Thomas L. Francis furthered his study and earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH., where he was called to return and become an adjunct professor in Pastoral Care and Counseling, and became the first professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Carver College, Atlanta, Ga. He presently instructs and assist ministers and pastors, at United Theological Seminary, from all corners of the nation to write dissertations and take an introspective look at their own lives to become better outstanding, productive pastors without judgmental attitudes. Dr. Francis, a hospice chaplain shares in his book, "I Watch Them Die... and Dying Lives matter", a transparent synopsis of his life and how his journey led him to the bedside of many dying people of all cultures, generations and spiritual influences. He is the author of the book and also shares events leading up to integrating the school system in Greenville SC. The goal of the academic/personal book is to encourage church and community leaders to make peace with their own mortality and inspire to remain present with dying patients and family members who suffer the end of life challenges. He writes, "Through dialogue with me in person, as well as through letters, dying patients and their family members expressed their feelings of loneliness and disappointment with the church as they faced the end-of-life challenges." Dr. Francis is also the Founder/CEO of Pastoral Care Institute of Atlanta. The non-profit organization provides training and conferences in grief and other issues as it pertains to Gods people. Dr. Francis has a passion for providing spiritual support to grieving patients and their family members daily as a hospice chaplain in Atlanta Ga.