The Rev. Albert Lee Crockett answered the call from his Savior, “Come unto me and rest,” on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, and is now experiencing life everlasting in heavenly peace after fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith.
Born Aug. 8, 1932, on Tangier Island, he was the only child of the late Willie Albert and Sarah Elizabeth Crockett. Following graduation from Tangier Combined School, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict and assigned to the 804th Military Police Company. In 1954, he was honorably discharged and began working as a statistical agent for the U.S. government, and later as chaplain in the Reserve Defense Force, having served his country for 16 1/2 years. Al was immensely proud of his time in the military. He was a longtime member of the VFW and remained an advocate for all veterans throughout his life.
Mark 16:15 – He said to them, “Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
The military was a close second to his greatest passion, ministry. Always one to lend a hand to someone in need or offer a listening ear to those in turmoil, the Lord chose Al to spread the Word long before he even knew his path. He received his undergraduate degree and completed seminary at Duke University and later received his Doctor in Divinity from Oxford, ultimately serving more than 32 years as an ordained minister in the United Methodist conference.
His calling to save souls led him to pastor many congregations over the years, which led to many lifelong friendships with his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was a member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed attending service with his wife, Ardis.
Matthew 25:21 – His Lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
In addition to his parents, Al was predeceased by his son, Scotty Lee Crockett.
He is survived by his wife, Ardis Crockett; sons, Corey Lee Crockett, of Fredericksburg, and Jeff Kelley and his wife, Carolyn, of Pungoteague; and grandchildren, Natalie Elizabeth Crockett, Jeffrey Arthur Kelley, and Katherine Elizabeth “Katie” Kelley.
A funeral service honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Albert Lee Crockett will be held in the auditorium at Nandua High School on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at 1 p.m., with the Revs. Robert Parks and Roland Major officiating. Private interment will follow in the Onancock Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Darrell Bays, 11 Onancock St., Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
