RAPID CITY | Johnnie Lee Francis, 65, of Rapid City, died Wednesday July 18, 2012, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. He was born on November 28, 1946, in Spartenburg, SC, to Isaac and Maggie Francis. Johnnie attended Douglas High School where he participated in varsity football and track. Graduating in 1965, he attended National American University for a few years and decided to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army in January of 1966. After separating from the Army in February of 1972, with the rank of sergeant, he decided to make Rapid City his home. Prior to becoming a sole-proprietor for his landscaping company, Johnnie was also well known for Noillim Enterprises where he was a real estate developer - one of several ventures. He was a co-founder and active member of Faith Temple Church. Johnnie spent numerous hours as a general service representative for Alcoholics Anonymous and founder of the 24 hour recovery group. He was a member of Black Hills Home Builders Association and was also a general contract advisor for SCORE where he helped general contractors in the establishment of their businesses. These are just a few of his many involvements that inspired Johnnie to continue to serve Rapid City. Survivors include his brother, Bennie (and Laurel) of Black Hawk; sister, Tammie of Odenton, MD; three sons, Johnnie Lee and Kevin, both of Tucson, AZ, and Forrest of Rapid City; three daughters, Chastity (and Mike) Beard of Kila, MT, Fawn (and Ryan) Hall of Rapid City, and Precious Lee. Nephews include Bennie L. of Shelley ID, Shawn and Isaac of Rapid City, and Steven VanDam of Black Hawk. Nieces include Renata (Rennie) of Shelley ID, Christine of Rapid City, and Amy Oppendahl of MT. His many grandchildren include Amira, Jamari, and Nyuserra , Kiawna and Kevin Jr. of Tuscon, AZ; Baylee and Landon of Kila, MT; Kiley, Alexa, Aisling, and Arabella Hall of Rapid City, Rihanna, Denzel, Jasmine and Cordell, and Lyric of Shelley, ID, Kameron and Shayda of Rapid City, Brennan, Nate, and Owen of Black Hawk; and Hugo and Louise of MT. Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Maggie Francis and special friend, Christy Hoffman. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard in Rapid City. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Faith Temple Church, 715 Kansas City St., with Bishop Lorenzo L. Kelly officiating. Reception to celebrate Johnnie's life will follow services at the Alano Club at 325 Deadwood Ave. Burial will be at 9 a.m. Monday, July 23, at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 Honor Guard and the South Dakota National Guard. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Johnnie Francis Memorial at Black Hills Federal Credit Union (605-343-0891) to benefit organizations he was passionate about.