"Papa Bill"
William (Bill) Thornton Francis, Jr., 58, of Confederate Blvd., Appomattox, died Monday, April 11, 2011, at his residence. He was the husband of Edna Carwile Francis.

Born in South Boston, VA, on April 9, 1953, he was the son of Thelma Jennings Francis of Halifax and the late William T. Francis, Sr. Bill was a member of Pleasant Grove United Christian Church in Halifax and the Papa Bill's Grandchildren's Fan Club. He retired as a mechanical engineer for Thomasville Furniture.

In addition to his wife Edna and mother Thelma he is survived by four children, Lisa F. Campbell of Greer, SC, Rodney Womack of Evergreen, Rhonda W. Guill of Appomattox, and Craig E. Womack and wife, Susan of Evergreen; a brother, Daryl Francis and wife, Linda of Chester; a sister, Nancy F. Stephens and husband, Junior of Halifax; thirteen grandchildren, Austin and Autumn Guill, Quinton, Gavin and Cameron Womack, Samantha and Amber Stiles, Steven Vest, Trevor and Donovan Harris, Devin and Ryan Campbell, and Izzy Hackney; one great grandchild, Peyton Clark; father and mother-in-law, H. E. and Nancy Carwile of Pamplin; a niece and a nephew, Sara Francis and Joe Francis both of Chester; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins; loads of friends; and numerous special members of the Papa Bill's Grandchildren's Fan Club.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Darlington Heights, VA by the Rev. Paul Kvasnicka, Jr., the Rev. Paul McLinden, and the Rev. Layman Cash. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home Wednesday, April 13, from 7-8:30 p.m. and other times at the residence.

The family suggest those wishing to make memorials please consider the Hospice of the Hills Farmville, 712 Oak Street, Farmville, VA 23901.