george rene francis (june 6, 1896 – december 27, 2008) was an american supercentenarian and the joint second-oldest living man in the world, together with englishman henry allingham, also born on june 6, 1896, until francis's death aged 112 years, 204 days. he was also the oldest living man in the united states, following the death of antonio pierro on february 8, 2007. francis was from new orleans, louisiana, but since 1949 lived in sacramento, california, where a local newspaper published a poem that francis enjoyed reciting to friends and the public throughout his life. he credited his longevity to nature, and enjoyed a rich diet of pork, eggs, milk and lard. he gave up smoking cigars at the age of 75.