Billy Joe Francis, Sr., age 92, of Gurdon, passed from this life on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Conway. He was born August 3, 1931, in Clark County, the son of the late Arlie and Ruby Wilson Francis.
Billy Joe was a retired fire plow operator for the Arkansas Forestry Department and a construction worker. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and member of the 1st Calvary. Billy Joe was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding the backroads and spending time with his grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley Ann Haynie Francis, one brother, Buster Francis and one sister, Agnes Edmonds.
Survivors are one son, Mark Francis (Vickie) of Gurdon, and one grandson, Augustus Francis of Sheridan.
Services will be announced as soon as available.
Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.