Millard Richard Francis

Millard R. “Murph” Francis passed away November 22, 2021, at the family home in Indianapolis. Millard was born in Bronston, Kentucky, the first child of Millard Richard Sr. and Mary Hayne Francis. He was followed by brother Earl “Butch” Francis (deceased), sister Mamie Francis Hahn, and brother Fred Francis.

As a young man, Millard developed a passion for automobiles. He bought his first car, a 1941 Buick Convertible, when he was 14 years old. This was the car he was driving when he met his future wife, Norma, at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky. After graduating from Cumberland, Millard continued his education at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce. He also later earned a Master of Science Degree from Butler University, Indianapolis. After graduation, Millard worked with the railroad before accepting an offer of employment with the Chevrolet Truck Plant in Indianapolis.

Millard and Norma moved from Lexington to Indianapolis and started a life and a family together. They had three sons, Mitchell Wayne, David Alan, and Jeffrey Scott (deceased). While employed at Chevrolet, Millard was promoted several times within the Human Resource Department. As Supervisor of Education and Training, his focus was always on the employees of the Chevrolet Truck Plant. His talents were also recognized by many in the region including Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn, Indiana Governor Robert D. Orr, and Indianapolis Mayor Richard G. Lugar who declared May 9, 1974 as Millard R. Francis Day.

After thirty years of employment with Chevrolet, Millard retired and he and Norma traveled throughout the world. Millard was an avid reader and a believer that education and knowledge are powerful tools. Millard and Norma have fond memories of their years at Cumberland College, so in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of the Cumberland’s in memory of Millard Francis: University of the Cumberland’s, 6191 College Station Dr, Williamsburg, KY 40769