FRANCIS

An ex-Pirate has passed away. Thomas “Blinky” Francis, 84, passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021. Tom graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1955 and went to Wichita Falls to attend Midwestern State University where he graduated in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. During his time in Wichita Falls, he owned two businesses. The first was Phideaux’s Pizza. In 1980, Tom fought the city over their sign enforcement ordinance. He served as his own lawyer, won the case against the city, and was allowed to keep a blimp sign for his restaurant. Tom also owned a business called The Money Place until he retired in 2009. Tom is survived by his brother, Joe Francis. He is also survived by five children including Billy Paul Francis, Sherry Benson, Linda Padgett, Jeff Francis, and April Eide. He loved his many grandchildren very much. A graveside service was held on Thursday, June 17 at 10:00 AM at the Waxahachie City Cemetery.