Michael A. Francis

Dr. Michael A. Francis Sr, 80, died on May 14, 2026, after several months battling kidney ailments. Born in Tallahassee, Fl, on Jan. 13, 1946, where his father, Robert, was assigned with the US Army at Dale Mabry Army Airfield. After the war Michael and his family reloaded to St. Petersburg, Fl. After high school Michael briefly attended North Carolina State University before enlisting in the US Air Force in 1965. Michael was assigned at Patrick Airforce Base in Cocoa Beach, Fl where he was part of the military support for NASA. He was an in-flight communications specialist providing high altitude radio communications to astronauts while in space. Michael’s claim to fame was being the first person back on earth to hear Neil Armstrong famous “One Small Step” and boosting the signal from his plane to earth bound stations. It was in Cocoa Beach where he met is late wife Christine and married in 1969. After his enlistment was complete, he relocated with his wife and two children to Tallahassee in 1971 where is started his 31 years working for the State of Florida. During his time working for the State of Florida, he obtained a bachelor’s in Math from Rollins College and a doctorate in Public Administration from Nova University. Michael was an avid philatelist (stamp collector) and was president of the Tallahassee Stamp and Cover Club for many years. He also enjoyed salmon fishing in Alaska, photography, and watching sci-fi movies. His final decade was focused on meeting is friends at Whataburger on North Monroe each morning, with the occasional Chick-fil-A. Special thanks to Cheryl who was a regular companion for the past eight years. Michael is survived by his daughter, Lisa Chason; a son, Mike Francis Jr. (wife Sherri); and brothers: Charlie and Paul. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Ashley, Hub III and Christopher Cullen; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. A remembrance and a reception will be held, beginning at 11a.m., on Tuesday, May 26, at Bevis Funeral Home at 200 John Knox Rd, Tallahassee (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com). The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Ashli McCall, of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) has the honor of assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Michael A. Francis

January 13, 1946 - May 14, 2026