Joe Lloyd Francis 1940-2024

Joe Lloyd Francis, 83, of Tyler died Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 at UT Health Hospital.

Mr. Francis was born Aug. 25, 1940, in Pittsburg to Henry and Lena Reeves Francis. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1958 and attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls. He served in the U.S Army from 1960-1961. He was discharged after one year to help care for his mother and brother, Fred Francis. Following his military service, Joe worked as a radio and sports announcer for several radio stations in Seymour, Bowie, Mt. Vernon and Wichita Falls. He worked full- and part-time in this role for 17 years. His love for sports, rock n' roll, doo-wop, soul and country music was always very evident to his audience.

Joe also served the citizens of Wichita Falls and Plano for over 30 years. He worked in several roles for the city of Wichita Falls from 1963-1977, including animal control supervisor, training and information officer and personnel director. In 1977, Francis was hired as personnel director for the city of Plano. He served in this role, as well as director of management services, director of administrative services, and director of human resources until his retirement in 1994. He developed the first emergency disaster plan for Wichita Falls in 1966. He developed the city of Plano's Volunteers in Plano Program (1983) and wellness program (1988). Joe also served as the president of the Texas Safety Association for Municipal Employees and the president of the Texas Municipal Personnel Directors Association during his career. He was extremely proud to serve the citizens of Wichita Falls and Plano each and every day.

Following his retirement, Joe became a full-time RVer with his wife, Joyce, for four years. They traveled the country sight-seeing, square-dancing and finding the best bread pudding in town. Joe and Joyce lived in Lake Kiowa, then relocated to Mineola in 2002 to help manage Joyce's health problems. This allowed Joe to be at all of the various events his grandkids participated in. Whether it was a sporting event, dance recital or music concert, "Papa Joe" and "Grandma" were always there to support. Saturdays were spent eating donuts, fishing, playing catch or cards, and watching movies with whichever grandkid that was lucky enough to be visiting that weekend. After Joyce passed away in 2015, Joe continued to live for his children and “grand-ones," as he liked to call them. 

Joe never met a stranger. He took a genuine interest in every person he came across and wanted to know all about their life. He was never afraid to give his honest opinion and always loved to crack a joke (often at his own expense). He made a memorable impression everywhere he went, and he never left without telling someone how much they meant to him.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Francis; brothers, Tom Francis, Fred Francis, Bill Childs and Coyal Francis; and sister, Mildred Francis Hill. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Joe Francis Jr. (Dawn), Eddie Francis (Misty), Debbie Davis (Ken), Rhonda Rossi (Greg) and Sandi Peoples (Don). Grandchildren include Matthew Disbrow (Megan), Tiffany Honea (Jon), Marissa Davis (Mitchell), Brittany Cox (Garrett), Brice Francis, Michael Peoples, Kyle Davis, Alexandra Williamson (Chris), Samantha Ritter (Justin), Aston Francis, Halle Rossi and Logan Francis. Great-grandchildren Kayelee Honea, Kaden Honea, Chanel Francis, Enzo Francis, Conley Francis, Charleigh Beaty, Hadley Beaty, Eisley Beaty, Jackson Disbrow, Isabelle Disbrow, Brayden Cox, Adalyn Cox, Ellie Cox and Julia Joy Ritter also survive him. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 at First Christian Church in Tyler. Dr. Chris Pulliam officiated. Visitation was held at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15.