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Billy Francis Obituary
Seeking prospects outside of Southwest Virginia, Bill moved to Newport News, Va., where he graduated from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School in 1956. After a brief return to Grundy, he returned to the shipyard, where he worked as a machinist for 20 years, until accepting a position with Phillip Morris in Williamsburg. He retired in 1993 and pursued his passion for collecting and selling tools, finishing his long-awaited projects and spending time with his family and friends.
Bill married his high school sweetheart, Helen Johnson, in 1953 and celebrated their 56-year union on Nov. 2, 2009.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Helen; three children, son, Eddie and wife, Colleen of Orlando, Fla., (Maria, Olivia, Thomas, Christopher, Olivia), son David and wife, Laura of Chesterfield, Va., (Matt, Will, Oliver, Jennie), daughter, Lisa Kellis and husband, Tom of Williamsburg, Va. (Jessica, Robby, Tommy, Tahnee, Kory), seven great-grandchildren; extended family and lifelong friends.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Tamara, Lynn, Rena and all the wonderful "angels" at Peninsula Cancer Institute, your hugs and smiles were a bright spot in his day. We would also like to thank the third floor nurses at Sentara Hospital; Sentara Home Health; and the Sentara Hospice team, that guided us through the toughest of days.
Grandpa will be thought of often and missed so much.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov, 9, at Nelsen Funeral Home with interment following at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Va. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Francis
Kathy Pyles, (cousin, daughter of Ola and Frank Peters)
November 14, 2009
Helen and family, Betty, Anna June, and Susie. I just learned about Bill's passing from Franklin. Please know that each of you are in my prayers. Remember that he will always be alive in your memories and the stories and traditions that are passed on to the younger family members.
Franklin Peters
November 11, 2009
We were saddened to learn of your loss. May you be comforted at this time with all of your good memories.
Frank & Sue Peters (First cousin, son of Ola and Frank Peters)
Carie Lewis
November 9, 2009
Dave, Laura & Family;
May God grant you peace and comfort you with wonderful memories of your dad.
November 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Francis family. Uncle Bill was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed.
Love to you all,
Carmen Trent
Mark Fox
November 8, 2009
We are sorry for your loss. May God wrap his comforting arms around you during this difficult time.
Mark and Cheryl Fox
Kelli Littlefield
November 8, 2009
Francis & Eckstein Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest condolences,
Kelli, Greg, Ethan & Ariana
Mike Gilley
November 8, 2009
David,
Am sorry to hear of your fathers's death. My prayers will be with you and your family.
George C. Lewis
November 8, 2009
Dear Francis Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Bill had passed. He was a very kind person and will be missed by thoes who knew him.
For many years we worked with Bill at P. M. It was like a big family.
I purchased some of Bill's tools and tool chests several years ago and I often think of him when using these items.
My sincere sympathy goes out to you.
Belinda Arthur
November 8, 2009
Lisa, my heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your dad. I know that there are no words of comfort that we can offer you at this time but please do know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness for years of wonderful memories that you will always have to reflect on.
Mike & Belinda Arthur
James & Mary Smith
November 7, 2009
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father
and send our sincere wishes that your positive thoughts keep him with you always. He must have been an amazing man, because he was a model father and raised amazing children.
Warmest Regards
James & Mary Smith
James & Mary Smith
November 7, 2009
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father
and send our sincere wishes that your positive thoughts keep him with you always. He must have been an amazing man, because he was a model father and raised amazing children.
Warmest Regards
James & Mary Smith
joanne & gene karaszewski
November 7, 2009
We offer our love and prayers to Bill's family. We knew him only a short while, but his kindness was evident immediately.
November 7, 2009
Lisa , I was sorry to learn of your Fathers death . May God Bless you and your family at this time of loss .
Alan Daugherty
November 7, 2009
Uncle Bill lived a wonderful life and had a great influence on many. He will be missed. Much love to all.
Judy Francis
Darrell Jimmerson
November 7, 2009
I had the opportunity to work with Bill at Philip Morris. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 6, 2009
I am so sorry to your family. I know your family is very close. Bill was a great man. Jerry Bradley and Family
Tootie Hudgins
November 6, 2009
Thoughts are with the family. Much Love
November 6, 2009
Dear Francis family - My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you celebrate the life of such a wonderful man. I hope his legacy and memories of wonderful moments will keep him close in all your hearts.
Kindly, Ann Evangelista (friend of Dave and Laura)
Marty & Bill Babcock
November 6, 2009
Dear Francis Family,
We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to see you Helen, Bill, and Family, last week. We are however, so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts now, and you will always be. I have wonderful memories of living with Bill and Hudson Haile during our apprenticeship, and will carry them happily for the rest of my life. When the term "Good Man" comes up in the future, I know I will think of Bill. He epitomizes a life well lived. Marty and I send our condolences to you, Helen, and all the Francis family.
Rick & Robin Wertel
November 6, 2009
Rest in Peace Bill. May your family find comfort in the memories of love and joy that you brought to their lives.
Lynn Firebaugh
November 6, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories comfort you.
November 6, 2009
Lisa and family,I am so sorry to hear about your father.I know how difficult this time is.I know that Jesus will love and comfort you in this time ,cry out to him ,he is there for you. Know that he is in a better place and has no more pain and suffering,love to you.
November 6, 2009
Dear Bill and Helen, We love you, and Bill, we will miss you terribly and attending games with you both at Disney's Wide World of Sports! You were a fine husband, father and grandfather and a blessing to your family and your friends. Much love, Hudson and Bev.
Muller Martini
November 6, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. May knowing that he had a life well lived bring you comfort and fond memories.
Your friends at Muller Martini
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