William Clarence Francis, age 90, of Boonsboro, Maryland, formerly of Charles Town, passed away May 20, 2021 at Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home in Boonsboro.
Born December 5, 1930 in Flint, Michigan, he was the son of the late Albert Francis and Edna Houghton Francis. He grew up in Cranford, NJ.
He attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH where he met his wife Mary Lynn (Winky) Miller ’59. The couple eventually settled in Bowie, Md where they raised their two children.
For most of his working life, Bill was the Assistant Treasurer and then Treasurer of Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC) in Annapolis, Maryland. His hobby was community theater where, along with his wife Winky, he acted, directed, and built sets for the Belair Community Theater in Bowie, Md. Bill performed in shows for the Crofton Theater Guild and Annapolis Summer Garden Theater.
Upon retirement, he and Winky settled in Charles Town, WV and became very involved with the Old Opera House, where Bill continued to act, direct, and build sets and served on the board. He was in shows with the Apollo Theater in Martinsburg, WV and the Brunswick Community Theater in Brunswick, MD.
Bill Francis is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Winky Francis; his daughter Amy Lynn Francis and spouse Gail Henry of Bethesda, Maryland; his son, Alan H. Francis and wife Anna Maria of Silver Spring, Maryland; and three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters: Elinore Foege and Edna Ward.
All services will be private.
Memorial contributions are asked to be made to the Old Opera House, 204 N. George St. Charles Town, WV 25414
Arrangements are being handled by Melvin T. Strider Funeral Home, Ranson, West Virginia.