"The Makings of An Honorable Man"

CMSgt Francis Joseph Manigault, USAF,Retired, was born June 18, 1935 in MacBeth, South Carolina to the late Deacon Marshall Sr. and late Hester Sumpter Manigault. He was the youngest male of 6 boys and 4 girls. His beloved and devoted wife Dorothy Baker Manigault, his grandson Theron Wallace and eight of his siblings, Joseph Manigault, Louise Reaves, Bertha Lee Johnson, Louis Manigault Sr., Abraham Manigault Jr., Marshall Manigault Jr., Iona Prophet, and Simon Peter Manigault preceded him entering into his heavenly home on January 23, 2022.

Chief Manigault was raised in a loving farm life home that had God as the center and prospered on strong family values. Like his siblings, he was baptized at Anderson Baptist Church by Pastor I. L. Prioleau at the age of 13. He embodied the word of God and emulated the teachings within the Bible throughout his life. Everyone who knew or heard of him, knew that he never spoke ill of anyone and that he preached/lived by the Golden Rule – "Do to others what you would have them do to you." He was always sensitive to the needs of others. He also believed in giving 110 percent or more to anything you do in life. As a Christian, he was humble, strong, unwavering. He worked hard and never complained. His perseverance was very remarkable.

During his early years, he attended Anderson Junior High School from September 1943 to May 1953, Berkeley Training School from September 1953 to May 1955, and drove the school bus to help other students get to and from school safely. He aspired to obtain advanced education and attended South Carolina State College for two years, as well as a spring semester at Columbia Institute in Philadelphia in 1958. Given the expense of continuing his education, he enlisted in the Air Force on November 6, 1958. His supervisor stated that he possessed supervisory qualities rarely seen in an airman of his age. In fact, as an airman (a year and a half after his enlistment), his military supervisor considered him to be officer material and felt he could better serve himself, his country, and the USAF in this capacity. Although he would ultimately continue along the enlistment pathway, he did take many college level courses and mastered his military assignments, which allowed him to send money home to his parents while pursuing his career.

On June 25, 1967, he was united in holy matrimony to the late Dorothy Louise Baker. The union produced four children: Franquelletta, Quontreece, Francis Jr. and Doreothea. He made sure his family knew God and was brought up in a Christian environment. He raised his children in a manner as to ensure summer consisted of at least one trip to visit each side of the family. He loved his family and instilled the value of church, education, good work habits, saving money, and family relations. A family that prays together stays together. He would ensure that they all sat together for meals, especially dinner. He prayed over their family meals, and kneeled with the children each night to pray before going to bed. He always made time to assist with homework, housework, and yard work. He also made time for playing sports, such as softball, and watching each of his children's games.

Chief Manigault served on active duty in the USAF for 30 years in the Financial Management and Service Department, until his retirement in 1988 while stationed at Scott AFB, Illinois. His military career was above reproach. He served the last 21 years and 7 months as a Supervisor. He received several awards to include: Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Long-term and Short-term tour ribbons, NCO Academy, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon (7 times), NCO Professional Military Education Graduate ribbon, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon. Unquestioned dedication to excellence and commitment to mission, not just duty, was his motto.

Throughout his Air Force career, his supervisors frequently praised his performance and often recommended him for a promotion to the next level. Although the recommendations were often quoted as "Promote!", "Promote NOW!", "Promote immediately!", he never wavered his conviction to excel when these strong recommendations went unanswered for years. He felt there was no need to complain because he had the Respect well before he had the Rank. Countless numbers of both young and seasoned officers would seek his advice and follow his direction. At each rank, his supervisors acknowledged that his strength laid in his tenacity and determination to successfully attain each predetermined goal, without regard to adverse conditions involved. His untiring efforts and technical skills enabled him to consistently get the job done right, the first time. Following his retirement from the USAF, he spent another 20 years working a civilian in the same position, until he retired again in 2011 while working at Charleston AFB, South Carolina.

He now passes on his legacy to his four children: Franquellettta (Dr. Weldon) Wallace, Quontreece (Douglas) Thompson Jr., Francis (Sharon) Manigault Jr., and Dorothea Manigault; 13 grandchildren: LaShae Wallace, Nandi Wallace, Cadre Wallace, Douglas Thompson III, Deniece Thompson, De'nia Thompson, Jerrick Manigault, Esther Pimentel, Jada Manigault, Janelle Manigault, Dorothy Manigault, Dedrick Manigault, and Derrell Manigault; one great grand: Ezekiel Brown; a sister: Corneil (Horris) Young; two sisters-in-law: Hester Manigault and Rose Mary Ramble; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the funeral home. Face masks are required.

Graveside Service with military honors will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at Anderson Baptist Church Cemetery, 1159 Old Black Oak Road, Moncks Corner, SC.  Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh