William Albert French, Jr. went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 21, 2013 in Tallahassee, FL. He was 77 years old. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Byrd Barkley French, a son, Brandon E. French (Brenda), a daughter, E. Barkley Wilhite (Rodney), 3 sisters, Mabel Townsend, Lou Powell, and Doris Edwards, and 6 grandchildren, Elijah, Emily, and Anna French and Kennedy, Emory, and Nell Wilhite, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, William Albert French, Sr. and Mabel French Tanner, and a sister, Blanche Finch.
Bill was born on June 22, 1936 in Rawlings, VA. He grew up in Alberta, VA and Lawrenceville, VA. His career with C&O Railroad began in Richmond, VA in 1955, and he retired from CSX Transportation in Jacksonville, FL after 42 years of continuous service. He was a warm, encouraging man who was quick with a hug and smile while faithfully sharing with others about his Savior, Jesus.
A memorial service and reception will be held at Grace Church of Tallahassee, 731 North Gadsden Street, on Sunday, November 24, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Grace Church of Tallahassee or Child Evangelism Fellowship, P.O. Box 5893 Tallahassee, FL 32314. The family would like to thank the kind staff of St. Augustine Plantation Memory Care, Tallahassee, who loved and cared for him like their own in his last months. To sign the family’s guest book, please go to www.culleysmeadowwood.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18