His obituary read:
"Departed this life at his home on Horse Creek on the 2d. day of February, 1885, W. J. French, aged 60 years and 23 days. Deceased had been suffering with Cancer for several years though able to attend to his business unto about November last, when he grew worse and confined him to the house. His sufferings were intense but he bore them patiently, was never heard to complain. He was one or our most worthy and intelligent citizens. The writer knew him intimately, found him honorable and upright, always honest in dealing with his fellowmen, anxious and willing to do all he could for his neighbors. By industry and economy he leaves his children in comfortable circumstances, though much bereaved at his death; they having lost their mother, who died a few weeks before the father, it was a sore trial to children, brothers and sisters, and truly so to his aged and venerable mother who now numbers her four score years and more, to give him up. But I am informed that he gave them ample evidence that their loss was his eternal gain. The remains were followed to the cemetery by a very large concourse of his friends and neighbors and interned beside his wife at Pleasant Hill Church near the homestead. (signed) A Friend, Horse Creek Tenn. Feb. 8, 1885." This article was cut from a newspaper, not sure which one.

NOTE: No Headstone can be located at this time.

William Jackson and Susan Emiline Broyles French had 3 children that are not listed here. 1) George Washington French b. abt 1846; 2) Brunetta Jane French b. abt 1849; 3) Sarah Frances (Tish) French Smith b. Dec. 7, 1852 d. January 12, 1931, Orange County, California (do not know where Sarah F. Smith is buried). Information on George Washington and Brunetta Jane French came from U.S. Census.