Carroll James Francis

Carroll James “C.J.” Francis, 89,  left this earth on  April 26th in his home town of Waco, Texas.  Carroll was born October 17, 1934 in Eddy, Texas and was the son of JB and Vivian Francis.  Carroll grew up in Waco where he lived all his life.  He graduated high school in 1953 from Waco Tech where he played the base drum in the marching band and was a yell leader.  

He graduated from Barber College in 1955 and started his career at Connolly Air Force base, then moved to the Parkdale shopping center, then to the Veterans Administration where he worked 28 years and subsequently retired.  He served in the National Guard  for 8 years where he rose to the rank of Sargent First Class.  He was a Master Mason and member of  the Waco Masonic Lodge 92.   Carroll was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather, and a dear friend to all those who knew him.  His passions were all things outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, a Boy Scout leader, and  youth baseball coach.  He was always a very generous person and would help anyone or any animal in need.  

He is survived by his son Brian Francis and wife Leslie of Coppell, Texas; his sister Margaret McLennan of Waco; his dear girlfriend of 12 years Janie Watts of Bellmead;  granddaughters Ann Francis Kapitany and Nicole Francis of Coppell; his great grandson Tristen Teakell of Belton; nieces Brenda Daniels of Corsicana; Phyllis McLennan of Eugene, Oregon; Paula Hughes and Kelly Cowles of Dallas,  and nephew Steve Cowles of Dallas.  

He is proceeded in death by his wife Frances Francis who he married in 1956 and with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006, his son Duane Francis, his sister Vernabelle Crook, and his parents JB and Vivian Francis.  

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Monday, April 29th at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway, Texas.  There will be a reception at the funeral home immediately following the  service.  There will be a family-only grave side service following the reception.  

In lieu of flowers, any tax deductible donations may be mailed to the Humane Society of Central Texas, 2032 Circle Rd, Waco, Texas 76706, or made in person, or online at humanesocietycentraltexas.org  in his name.