WALTER I. FRANCIS

SPARTANBURG, SC:  Walter I. Francis, 90, died Friday, May 13, 2016.   He was born September 14, 1925, in Greenville, Maine.  Walter was a retired International Manager for Rockwell International-Draper Division, including service in Singapore for three years.  He was a member of the Dartmouth College Class of 1947 and a graduate of the University of North Carolina.  He received a Masters Degree from Boston University and studied at the Rhode Island School of Design.  Walter was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy.  He and Hazel, his wife of 53 years, were active members of the Saint Paul United Methodist Church and faithful members of their Friendship Sunday School Class.  They served as volunteers with the International Executive Service Corp. in the Czech Republic and Macedonia.  They were longtime volunteers and supporters of Mobile Meals.

Walter was a loving husband and father of eight children.  He is survived by his wife, Hazel Francis, their children and their families:  Kathleen Rinaldi of South Carolina, Sally Dailey and Philip of Texas, Karen Libby of Washington State, Andrea Rondeau and Harvey of Massachusetts, Melissa Moore of Washington State, Dana Francis and Natalie of California, Scott Francis and Renee of South Carolina.  He is survived by sister-in-law, Marilyn, of Illinois, sister-in-law, Marye Staley of Michigan and brother-in-law, Joseph Coyner and Alice of Michigan, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and nephews.  He was predeceased by his son, John; father, William John Francis and mother, Thelma Smith Francis; a brother, Robert; and a grandson, Michael Moore.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. John Warren officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Methodist Church, 1320 Fernwood Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC, 29307 or Mobile Meals, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC, 29304

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