William Jay Francis

William Jay Francis, known by most as “Bill”, passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2024 at the age of 79. He spent his final days with family, surrounded by laughter and love. 

Bill was born to Tony and Nelda Francis on March 8, 1945, in Ely, Nevada; the oldest of eight children. Bill loved his parents and idolized them. He always tried to make them proud and strived to never disappoint them. Bill always spoke highly of his siblings and loved them very much.

He married his sweetheart, Pauline Messerly (or in his words, “Polly”), in 1968. She was the love of his life from the day he met her, and that love still continues today. From the time their two families combined, Bill loved and respected her parents just as he did his own.

They built a life of love together and had nine children. The experiences in his life taught him to not judge others and accept all for who they were. He then tried to instill this in his children, as well as his love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bill’s faith in the Savior shaped him into the man he became. Bill’s other highlights included working for the USDA as a Compliance Officer, serving in the Boy Scouts of America, and a life involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he was lovingly referred to as “Brother Bill”. He was known by all as a strong willed, motivated, service oriented man. He never said an unkind word about others and was a father figure to all who needed it. If there was anything needed, Bill would be the one to help without hesitation. He truly was a selfless man. Bill is a grandfather to 32 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The numbers continue to grow! Family was always the center of his life. He expressed his love through singing, playing games and family BBQ’s. He was a shoulder to lean on and was willing to take the time to listen when needed.

Bill Francis is survived by his wife, Pauline Francis, and his children Billye Sue White (Jim), Russ Francis (Wendy), Larry Francis, Tabitha Garner (Wes), James Francis (Rebecca), Britney Fischer, Keli Shumway (Chase), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Parents, brother Paul Francis, sister JoAnn Sparrow, daughter Jamie Elizabeth Francis, and daughter Cristi Cottle (Scott).

A viewing will be held Thursday August 22, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan (420 East 1800 North). Services will be held Friday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Richmond Stake Center (135 West Main Street, Richmond UT) with a viewing that morning from 9:30-10:30. Burial will be at the Richmond Cemetery.

Funeral services are under direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.