William H. Francis

William H. Francis, 94, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully, September 15, 2015 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center. He was born in Binghamton, N.Y. and lived there till 1998, when he moved to Hendersonville, N.C. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis Francis, in 2012 and son Gary Francis.

Surviving are his daughter Linda Gagnon and husband Frank of Winnabow, N.C., son Mark Francis and wife, Amy of Abingdon, Maryland, and daughter, Cynthia Koltz and husband, Gerald of Chenango Bridge, N.Y. Grandchildren Adam Gagnon, Nicole Gagnon McBryde, Dr. Tracy-Francis Nuygen, Matthew Francis, Austin & Luke Francis, Patrick, Jessica & Danielle Koltz, Hannah Fonti. Six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his dog, Midge.

Bill served in the Air Force during WWII as a Tail Gunner with the 93rd Bomb Group "Ted's Traveling Circus" in 1944 with 27 missions over Germany & France. He graduated in 1945 as Flight Engineer on a B-29 with a commission of 2nd Lieutenant. Received the distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. He was able to join WWII Vets from Hendersonville, N.C. on an Honor Air Flight to Washington, D.C. He also joined the Warrior Ride at age 92 in the Southport 4th of July parade. He was President and owner of Francis Construction Co., Inc. for 33 years, building custom homes.

Graveside Memorial service will be held at Chenango Valley Cemetery, Binghamton, N.Y. on September 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28401.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Life Care Center for their compassionate and excellent care of Bill, along with the staff at Ocean Trail Independent Living, Southport.

Also, a very special thank you to Mrs. Brenda Crisco, who took care of his dog and is now her new Mom.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport is serving the family.