Issaac Terrell Francis, Sr.

Issaac Terrell Francis Sr., 31, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at St. Johns Hospital. Issaac Sr. was born March 1, 1988, in Racine, WI, the son of Lisa Smith and John Lee Smith. He attended Lanphier High School and graduated from Lincoln Land Community College with a certificate in Automotive Technology. He was employed by Excel Seamless Gutters. His love and personality were like magnets. All who came into contact with him were drawn to his dynamic personality. Issaacs greatest accomplishments were, hands down, his children (his turds or turd nuggets)! Everything he did was for them. When he wasnt working, his days were full of time spent with his girls, Annise and Jaycie, showing them how to care for their hair, at the hair salon, or nail shop, making positive his princesses had an unmatchable male influence. Issaac Jr. was his mini-me. Whatever Issaac Sr. experienced Issaac Jr. did also! His final act, his greatest accomplishment, James! Issaac Sr. spent countless hours cuddling with James and teaching him how to give kisses among many other things. James was his shadow, wherever Issaac Sr. was James was closely trailing behind. Issaac Sr. would walk into a room and lock eyes with James. Both of their faces would light up with excitement. Nothing else mattered in that moment. The love that Issaac Sr. and baby James shared is a continuation of the unwavering bond Issaac Sr. had with his brother James. His hobbies included: first and foremost, his passion was working on anything with an engine, riding his Iron Man motorcycle, fishing, grilling, helping others, spending time with family and friends, and being a complete goofball in front of anyone. His sister taught him to be himself, she was an avid believer in being true to yourself and people will love you for who you are. And boy was she right. Issaac met the love of his life, Jenny Nolting, in 7th grade at Washington Middle School in 2001. They were middle school sweethearts that shared 18 wonderful years together. Issaac and Jenny always made sure they had special date nights. They enjoyed joking around with each other, even though Issaac always had the better comeback! To say he will truly be missed by everyone is an understatement. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Theresa Jean Rogers. He is survived by his children, Annise Rennee Francis, Jaycie Marie Rose Nolting-Francis, Issaac Terrell Francis Jr., and James Allen Lee Francis; wife to be, Jenny Nolting; ex-wife, Amber Alexander; maternal grandfather, Ernest Thomas Reynolds; mother, Lisa Smith and daddy, John Lee Smith of Jacksonville, NC; biological father, Michael Aaron Francis Sr. of Chicago; brother, David C. Reynolds of Springfield; Davids children, Derrick, DeAngelo, DeAndre, Alesia, Kelis, David Jr. and Soriah; brother, Michael Aaron Francis Jr. of Springfield; Michaels children, MyKail, Dominice, Jordan, MiKyla, Zacchaeus, MiKiya, Kaleb, KHyeira, Khobie; brother, James E. Francis of Jacksonville, NC; James child, Semaj; sister, Kesha R. Reynolds-McClanahan (husband, Kyle McClanahan) of Springfield; Keshas children, JaMil Ty-jean, KVon Jay Sir, EmilLeo Luciano Sayeed, DaNiyah RenAri MBali; and a wealth of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Butler Funeral HomeSpringfield, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Butler Funeral HomeSpringfield, with Pastor Bennie D. Fisher officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Jenny Nolting FBO Francis Fund, c/o CEFCU, 2449 N. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62702.