Francis Butler McGill

Francis (Frank) Butler McGill of Opp died at Medical Center Hospital in Enterprise, on Monday, Feb. 19, 2007, with his family by his side. He was 83.

Visitation will be Thursday, Feb.y 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wyatt Funeral Home in Opp. A graveside service will be held Friday morning at 10 a.m. at Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens in Opp with the Rev. Scott Ferguson officiating.

Mr. McGill was born Nov. 10, 1923, in West Side, Miss. He grew up inMobile. A World War II veteran, he was drafted at age 18. He served as a U.S. Army second lieutenant in England, France and Germany, and was on a ship in the Pacific headed for Japan when the war ended. He then served as part of the occupation troops stationed in Japan.

Upon his return to the States, he attended the University of Alabama graduating, with a juris doctorate. He then moved to Opp in 1951 with his wife Lillian, where he began his law practice. He was a dedicated public servant, serving his community and Covington County as a city judge, district attorney and probate judge.

He was instrumental in organizing the Opp Army National Guard unit and served as the commander for many years. During the Berlin Crisis, the unit was mobilized and sent to Fort Irwin, Calif.

With a strong and caring work ethic, Frank taught adult education courses allowing many members of his community to achieve a higher level of education.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Opp and in his later years looked forward every Sunday morning to attending Westview Baptist Church in Opp with wife Lillian and sister in law, Thelma.

Mr. McGill was a supportive, loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He was a man of great character and many talents: organized, thorough, inquisitive, problem solver and master repairman.

An avid golfer, his other interests included fishing trips, square dancing, ballroom dancing, singing, crossword puzzles, senior citizen activities and visiting his children and grandchildren. Singing and dancing with his wife, Lillian, was always a source of great pleasure.

Mr. McGill was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 63 years, Lillian; his parents, Francis and Bertrice McGill; and a brother, John McGill.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jean (Jimmy) Harrelson, Jan (John) Tomberlin of Enterprise; two sons, Chuck McGill and Bart (Judith) McGill of El Paso, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Rick (Connie) Harrelson of Enterprise, Russ (Paige) Harrelson of Decatur, Robyn H. (Allen) Bryan of Enterprise, Todd McGill of El Paso, Christy McGill of Decatur, Maegan T. (Matt) Brecher of Tacoma, Wash., John Carey Tomberlin II of Nashville, Tenn., Maribeth T. (Manny) Andino of Birmingham, Molly Tomberlin of Enterprise., Eloisa, Bartley II and Joshua McGill of El Paso; nine great-grandchildren, Taylor, Rhett and Ryan Harrelson, all of Enterprise, Heath and Olivia Harrelson of Decatur, Ally and Maggie Bryan of Enterprise, Blake and Jordan McGill of Decatur.

Mr. McGill is also survived by his brother, Max McGill; sister in law, Mrs. John McGill (Martha); cousins, nieces and nephews, and many wonderful and faithful friends.

The family will be eternally grateful to grandson, Dr. Rick Harrelson, and son in law, Dr. John Tomberlin, for their years of extended medical care, love and respect given to Daddy Mac and Mama Mac. The family also wishes to express their sincere thanks to Tiny Flowers, Betty Brown, Daisy Miller and Glenda McClain for their care and dedication to Daddy Mac (Frank), and to their aunt and "Big Brother's" special sister in law, Thelma Harrelson, the family extends their deepest gratitude. They also appreciate the patience and kindness by the team from Coffee County Home Health.

A very special thank you to the caring staff of the ICU at Medical Center Enterprise.

Flowers or memorial donations to your favorite charity or church will be accepted.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Harrelson, John Tomberlin, Rick Harrelson, Russ Harrelson, John Carey Tomberlin II, and Todd McGill.

Wyatt Funeral Home in Opp, (334) 493-2506, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.