Bernard Chevalier Francis, affectionately known as "Bernie," a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and former Carrollton City Councilman, passed away on February 24, 2025, following a medical emergency at Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, Texas. He was 78 years old, born on March 24, 1946, in Malvern, Pennsylvania, to Dorothy E. Francis and Aaron Saunders.
As CEO of First Class Care Givers, Inc. (FCC) and Business Control Systems, LP (BCS), Bernie was a well-known and respected figure in the DFW business community. His passion for his businesses, his country, and his involvement in conservative political causes was matched only by his deep commitment to higher education and improving the quality of life for senior citizens. Bernie approached every endeavor with unwavering dedication and a fierce determination to make a difference.
Family was the cornerstone of Bernie’s life. He treasured his immediate family and the extended family he gained through his marriage to Dianne (Ferguson). As the patriarch of the family, Bernie was the go-to person for advice, always ready to offer guidance on important decisions and to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. He valued hard work, often recalling stories from his youth as a caddy at a prestigious golf course in Malvern, PA, starting at just nine years old. Bernie was a role model, especially to the younger men in the family, and it was not uncommon to hear one of them say, "Let me ask Uncle Bernie!" He had a passion for teaching, mentoring, and sharing his wisdom with all who sought it. Bernie’s love for his Philadelphia Eagles was legendary, and his joy was infectious whenever they triumphed—especially over the Cowboys!
Bernie’s commitment to education was evident through his service on the Western Governors University (WGU) Advisory Board and several boards appointed by the Governor of Texas. These included the Texas State Technical College (TSTC), North Central Texas Private Industry Council, the Texas Commission on Virtual Education, and the Task Force on Higher Education Incentive Funding. He also dedicated many years to then Senator Jane Nelson’s Senate Advisory Committee, the North Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Mutual Insurance, and the Senior Quality Lifestyle Corporation (SQLC), a non-profit focused on developing upscale senior living communities.
A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), Bernie is survived by his beloved wife and business partner of nearly 40 years, Dianne Ferguson Francis; his son Chevalier D. Francis (wife Monique) of Little Elm, Texas, from his previous marriage to Eva Woodard; stepdaughter Michelle Williford Scotland (husband Aldin) of Conyers, Georgia; grandchildren Jasmine, Ian, and Hannah Francis of Little Elm, Texas, and Courtney Gibbs of Conyers, Georgia; his sister Vivian Francis of Coatesville, Pennsylvania; along with many sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his mini goldendoodle, Trouble. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Maurice Francis.
A viewing and visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, 4141 International Parkway, Carrollton, Texas. Burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas.
Bernie’s favorite song was "I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra, and he lived his life in much the same way—on his terms, with strength, integrity, and a deep love for those around him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernie’s memory to the Bent Tree Bible Fellowship Missions Fund (Missions Fund Giving - Bent Tree - Online Giving) or the WGU Texas Trailblazers Scholarship Fund (Bernie Francis Memorial - WGU Crowdfunding).