William “Bill” Francis, Jr., 85

William “Bill” Francis, Jr. age 85 of Hendersonville died Friday, July 3rd, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. He was born in Henderson County on April 18th, 1930, a son of the late William Francis, Sr. and Sara Linda Tatum Francis. In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia J. Francis who died in April of 2011.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County; Bill graduated from Hendersonville High School and then served our country in the United States Navy. When he returned to Hendersonville, he began his career in the local family business, “Francis and Wright Feed Store” that spanned over 40 years. Bill met every customer with a friendly smile and a helpful attitude. He was generous and was well known for helping all of the local farmers in Henderson County. He served three terms as a Henderson County Commissioner from 1972 until 1984, including serving as the vice chairman from 1975 until 1978. He was a member of the Four Season’s Club as well as a loyal and dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

Bill is survived by his three sons, William “Tripp” Francis and his wife, Pamela of Etowah, Michael Lee Francis, Sr. and his wife, Sheila of Hendersonville, and Christopher Scott Francis and his wife, Karla of Asheville; his three grandchildren, Michael Lee Francis, Jr. and his wife, Brynn of Hendersonville, Jordan Ray Francis of Hendersonville, and Amanda Tatum Francis of Asheville; and his three great-grandchildren, Maggie, Sara, and Ashton.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Bill’s memory be directed to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, 204 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.