Francis Mcilwain

Francis Lee McIlwain, Sr., age 86 of Mobile, went to be with his Lord on January 30, 2023. He
was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, JoAnne McIlwain; daughter-in-law Barbara
McIlwain (Rusty); parents Howard and Opal McIlwain; brothers James McIlwain and Bruce
McIlwain (Dot), and sisters Alleen McIlwain and Ina Yancey. He is survived by children Francis
(Tracy) McIlwain, Jr. of O'Fallon, IL, Dawn Evans of Mobile, Rusty McIlwain of Pensacola, FL,
and Frank (Sonya) McIlwain of Mobile; brothers Glynn McIlwain and Jerry McIlwain (Mary);
sisters Jean Taylor and Iris Johnson; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Francis Lee was born in Waynesboro, Mississippi on August 2, 1936. He was a multi-sport
athlete in high school; left early to join the U.S. Army's 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th
Airborne Division in 1954. Honorably discharged in 1958, he married JoAnne Finch in 1959 and
settled in Mobile. He joined United Association Local 119 in 1963, completed the
apprenticeship program, and worked as a pipefitter for the next 35 years. He greatly valued
education and returned to school, proudly graduating from Murphy High School in 1975. He
was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was respected for being
a tremendously hard worker and always provided for his family. He enjoyed grandchildren,
raising corn and watermelons, bird hunting, and watching sports in retirement.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 4, 12:00 PM, at Mobile Memorial Gardens
Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be
from 11:00-12:00 PM at the funeral home.