Dalton Francis, Sr

Dalton Hendrix Francis, Sr., age 87, of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. Funeral services will be held at Christ Community Church on Thursday, September 17, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor Joey Turman officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Christ Community Church on Thursday, September 17th, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.

Mr. Francis was born in Kentucky and graduated from Williamson High School in West Virginia. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy University. He faithfully served his country in the National Guard, the United States Air Force, and ultimately retired from the United States Army as a Sergeant First Class after 21 years of service. He completed four tours in Vietnam, where he served as one of the earliest members of pararescue, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Following his military retirement, Mr. Francis continued to pursue excellence in the private sector, contributing to the Blackhawk design and other projects that provided a competitive advantage to the men and women serving in uniform. His dedication to service never waned.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, spending time at the gun range perfecting his marksmanship, and familiarizing himself with his latest firearm. He was also gifted in woodworking, often found in his shop crafting projects that became cherished keepsakes for family and friends. Mr. Francis deeply valued fellowship—whether among his church family, his brothers of the Carmichael Masonic Lodge, or the Alcazar Shriners in Montgomery. His presence will be noticeably missed within each of these circles.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Nancy Marie Francis of Enterprise, AL; his son, Dalton Hendrix Francis, Jr. (Lisa) of Elba, AL; his sisters, Judy Holder of Enterprise, AL, Glenna McCoy of Titusville, FL, and Tommi Vannoy of Jacksonville, NC; his brothers, Michael Hurley of Waverly, KY, and James Earl Francis of Chapmanville, WV. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Olivia Chancellor of Xenia, OH; his nephew, Basil “Buddy” Frye of Enterprise, AL; his niece, Shannon Shepherd of Birmingham, AL; four great-grandchildren, and he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his fifth.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Francis family.