Francis Butler McGill

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

A graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. at Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens in Opp, with the Rev. Scott Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Wyatt Funeral Home in Opp.

McGill was born Nov. 10, 1923 in West Side, Miss. He grew up in Mobile, Ala. A World War II veteran, he was drafted at the age of 18 and served as a 2nd Lt. in England, France, 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 Doctor degree. He then moved to Opp in 1951 with his wife Lillian, where he began his law practice. McGill was a dedicated public servant serving his community and Covington County as a City Judge, District Attorney, and Probate Judge.

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

With a strong and caring work ethic, he 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 with his wife, Lillian and sister in law, Thelma.

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.

He 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, Ala.; two sons, Chuck McGill and bart (Judith) McGill of El Paso, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Rick (Connie) Harrelson of Enterprise, Ala., Russ (Paige) Harrelson of Decatur, Ala., Robyn H. (Allen) Bryan of Enterprise, Ala.,Todd McGill of El Paso, Texas, Christy McGill of Decatur, Ala., Maegan T. (Matt) Brecher of Tacoma, Wash., John Carey Tomberlin II of Nashville, Tenn., Maribeth T. (Manny) Andino of Birmingham, Ala., Molly Tomberlin of Enterprise, Ala., Eloisa, Bartley II and Joshua McGill of El Paso, Texas; nine great-grandchildren, Taylor, Rhett and Ryan Harrelson of Enterprise, Ala., Heath and Olivia Harrelson of Decatur, Ala., Ally and Maggie Bryan of Enterprise, Ala., Blake and Jordan McGill of Decatur, Ala; a 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 the years of extended medical care, love and respect given to Daddy Mac and Mama Mac.

They also wish to express their sincere thanks to Tiny Flowers, Betty Brown, Daisy Miller and Glenda McClain for their care and dedication to Daddy Mac (Frank). To their aunt and "Big Brothers" 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.