William Robert Francis, 66, of Lapeer, died peacefully Tuesday, September 14, 2021. William was born March 20, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert William and Christine (Szczepaniak) Francis. He graduated from Kimball High School in Royal Oak, class of 1973. Bill was a semi-truck driver, mechanic and proud UAW member for over 40 years. Through those years he worked primarily for Penske (aka, Automotive Component Carriers or ACC). ACC was a direct subcontractor for General Motors. He married Debora Jo Pruitt on May 24, 2002 in Lapeer. In his spare time Bill loved hunting, fishing and camping. He loved solitaire and Free Cell on the computer. He was a proud auxiliary member of VFW Post #4139 in Lapeer and enjoyed fellowship with friends at the Post. Above all, Bill loved time spent with family – particularly his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his children: David (Abby) Kochevar of Otter Lake, Kyle (Samantha) Francis of Oxford, Aaron (Leah) Francis of Lapeer and Anna (Andrew) Francis of Hart; eight grandchildren: Aja, Madeline, David, Valerie, Aiden, Savannah, Autumn and Brycen; sister, Janet (Fred) Knight of Royal Oak. Bill is also survived by his beloved friend, Nancey Donahue of Clinton Township and several beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Debora in 2017; his aforementioned parents and his beloved companion and friend, Olivia. Visitation will be from 4-8PM Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer. Bill’s funeral service will be 11:00AM Friday, September 17, 2021 at Muir’s. Pastor Drew Jolly will officiate. Bill’s family will receive friends from 10-11AM the morning of the service. Burial will follow at Dawn Memorial Cemetery. Please visit www.MuirBrothersLapeer.com to leave Bill's family a remembrance or condolence.