Francis Middleton, Sr.

Francis Thomas Middleton, Sr., age 93 and a lifelong resident of Collirene, Alabama, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 14, 2020. Francis was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Anne Traweek Trice Middleton. He was also preceded in death by his father, Frank Oliver Middleton; his mother, Irma Yagle Middleton; sister, Elizabeth Middleton Scrugham and brother-in-law, Hal Scrugham.

Francis attended Auburn University but due to his father’s health problems, had to come home to run the family farm. Francis was one of the earliest employees of Bush Hog Manufacturing in Selma, Alabama. He started in the welding shop, later became chief engineer. At the time of his retirement was the Director of Research and Development. Francis then took a consultant position at Monroe Tufline.

Francis loved his Lord and Savior and was a faithful servant. He was a member and Deacon at Bethany Baptist Church until the congregation discontinued services. He and Anne then joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. Francis was a prayer warrior praying for many each night.

Francis is survived by his children, Leanna Harrell (Sandy), Francis Thomas “Frank Middleton, Jr. (Julie), Kathie Nichols (Robby) and Barbara Haigler (Rob); grandchildren, Stewart Harrell (Sarah), Melissa Kaye Howard (Chad), Kristen Harrell, Robyn Holley (Cole), Clay Nichols (Chelsea), Drew Harrell (Christian), Tepper Middleton (Lindsey), Katianna Wheeler (Jake), Frank Thomas Middleton, Bethany Haigler, and James Haigler and twelve great-grandchildren. Survivors also include nephews, Rick Scrugham and Hal M. Scrugham, Jr. and nieces, Nancy Scrugham, Lisa McKeague (Campbell) and Susan Harden.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the Collirene Cemetery with Rev. Elwood Sims and Dr. David Thomas officiating.

Pallbearers will be Stewart Harrell, Clay Nichols, Drew Harrell, Tepper Middleton, Frank Thomas Middleton, James Haigler, Hal Scrugham and Jase Howard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Blake, Caswell McCurdy and Thomas McNiel and Deacons of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church; Billy Hardy, Johnny Henry, Richard Hollingshead, Josh Pouncey, Teddy Pouncey, Charlie Rives, Rodney Rives and cousins, John Traylor, Bill Lyon, Ike Lyon and David Middleton Lyon, Jr.

Donations in his memory may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, Bethany Baptist Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choosing.