Francis M. Savage

Francis M. Savage, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend left this earth and went home to Heaven on October 6, 2023, at the age of 81 – just three weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. Francis died of congestive heart failure at Lakeland Hospice House after a very brief stay as he was ready to “go home” to his Heavenly Father. Francis loved life and he lived to help others and serve Jesus. He was always there if anyone needed him and never complained about anything. He was a wonderful father to his two daughters, and a fantastic “Papa” to his three granddaughters. He was so loved by all who knew him.

Francis was born in St. Clair County, Alabama and was raised in Fairfield Highlands, Alabama where he and his first wife of 62 years (Carole) resided and raised their family. Francis was very involved in his beloved church, Fairfield Highlands Baptist, and was a Deacon for many years, as well as a Sunday School teacher. He loved to sing in the church choir, and the all-men’s “Bullfrog” choir. He truly loved serving his Savior.

Francis and Carole moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1985 when he began his career with DePuy Orthopedics, where he remained until he retired in 1997. Francis became a member of First Baptist Church of Lakeland (Lakes Church) and served as a Deacon until he retired last year. Francis formed life-long friendships throughout the years with many people from church and was truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends in his life. Francis remarried earlier this year to a beautiful life-long friend, Jeannie McDonald, who was a welcome addition to our family. She was truly a blessing to him and helped him through his most recent health challenges. He always pushed himself to recover from any illness as he was eager to get back to the business of helping others. God had a different plan and decided his work here on earth was done – so he called him Home to Heaven.

Francis is survived by his wife, Jeannie McDonald and his daughters, Sherri Spigner (Robert) and Tammy Byrd (James), and his three granddaughters who he loved more than life, Julie Spigner, Robin Spigner Martin (Robbie) and Christina Byrd. He is also survived by two brothers, Jack Savage, and Terry Savage.

Francis was preceded in death by his bride of 62 years and high school sweetheart, Carole McLendon Savage, his parents, Huey and Gwendolyn Savage and his older brother, Hubbard Savage.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, 10/21/23 at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. The service will be livestreamed from Heath Funeral Chapel for those who cannot attend. An ASL Interpreter will be provided. The service will begin at 11:00 am. Visitation will be immediately before the service from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Afterwards there will be a time of lunch and fellowship at First Baptist (Lakes Church), 1010 East Memorial Blvd., Lakeland, FL in the Hospitality Room. Everyone is welcome.

Francis was a huge supporter of the local Deaf community, Deaf youth, and the Deaf church in Lakeland. He would have been honored if anyone wanted to make a donation in his memory to the D/HH Youth Advocate Coalition of Polk County (YAC) which provides services and activities that address linguistic, social and emotional needs of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth to foster their independence. This organization is a non-profit 501-c so all donations would be tax deductible. If you would like to donate in his memory in lieu of flowers, please send to D/HH Youth Advocate Coalition of Polk County, c/o 2080 Saddlewood Drive, Bartow, FL 33830.