APPOMATTOX, April 14 – William (Bill) Thornton Francis Jr., 58, of Appomattox, died Monday, April 11, 2011, at his residence. He was the husband of Edna Carwile Francis.

Born in South Boston, on April 9, 1953, he was the son of Thelma Jennings Francis of Halifax and the late William T. Francis Sr. He 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; brother, Daryl Francis and wife, Linda of Chester; sister, Nancy F. Stephens and husband, Junior of Halifax; 13 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; a great-grandchild, Peyton Clark; father and mother-in-law, H. E. and Nancy Carwile of Pamplin; niece and 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 were held Thursday, April 14, at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Darlington Heights by the Rev. Paul Kvasnicka Jr., the Rev. Paul McLinden, and the Rev. Layman Cash. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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

Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family and an online condolence may be sent at www.robinsonfuneral.com