William E. Francis

FRANCIS, WILLIAM E. 91, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Tockwotton On The Waterfront. He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Brookins) Francis. He was affectionately nicknamed "Moe". Born in Providence, he was the son of the late George Francis and Harriet (Johnson-Taylor) Francis. William was a Sergeant with the Providence Police Department for 35 years and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Sergeant "Moe" Francis was a highly decorated leader who earned 14 Departmental Commendations for his bravery. Mr. Francis was honored by the late Mayor Cianci, the Providence City Council, the Rhode Island General Assembly, the Providence Police Department, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Rhode Island Minority Police Association and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. Known for his integrity and wisdom, he was a trusted advisor and mentor to the Department's patrolmen and management. Mr. Francis was one of the first African American officers to work for the Providence Police Department in 1956. Rosa Parks praised him for serving as an honorable civil rights pioneer and for protecting her and her staff while visiting Providence. William also served as a soldier in World War II. His unit was immortalized in the "Battle of the Bulge". For his courageous service during this campaign, he received numerous accolades and was promoted to Corporal. He is survived by two daughters: Shirley Francis-Fraser and her husband Allen of Providence, Michelle Davis and her husband Aaron of Providence, one brother Donald Taylor of South Kingstown, one sister Veronica Francis of East Providence and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by seven siblings: George Francis, Ralph Taylor, Owen Taylor, Ina Hughes, Lois Perry, Eileen Foye and Kenneth Francis. A funeral, with Police Honors, was held on Friday, 3/11 at 10:00AM at the Olney Street Baptist Church. At 1:00PM, interment, with Military Honors, in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery occurred. At 2:30PM a reception honoring Mr. Francis followed at Tockwotton On The Waterfront. Memorial contributions may be mailed to the William E. Francis Memorial, Tockwotton On The Waterfront, 500 Waterfront Drive, East Providence, RI 02914. Go to perrymcstay.com for complete obituary.