He had been a resident of Anawalt for 14 years and was a retired letter carrier from the U.S. Postal Service. He was a six year veteran of the U.S. Army, served in Vietnam, was a member of the DAV and was a lifetime member of the VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Survivors include his special friend and companion, Amanda "Kay" Heffinger of Anawalt; her family, Sherry Walker and Chris of Nashville, Tenn., Steven Heffinger and Dana of Lincolnton, N.C., Jacob, Jason Walker and Samantha Heffinger; son, Jeffery Allen French and Sherry of Goldsboro, N.C.; one daughter, Melissa Jeffery and Scott of Goldsboro, N.C.; two grandchildren, Jason and Emily French of Goldsboro, N.C.; two brothers, James Boyd French of Lexington, Va., Winfred Lynn French and Linda of Ft. Pierce, Fla.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with the Reverend Clifton Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military Honors will be performed by the WV Honor Guard.