Mr. Charles Richard Crockett, better known as “Number,” 70, of Tangier Island, passed away on Aug. 15, 2026, at his home.
Born Jan. 21, 1956, on Tangier, he was the son of the late Willie Thomas Crockett and Cecile Pruitt Crockett.
A lifelong waterman, Richard left school during the eleventh grade to work with his father. He later captained his own boat for over 40 years. Life called him out of school early, but he never forgot the education he left behind, and he proudly earned his GED at the age of 53.
When he wasn’t working on the water, he enjoyed making crab pots, playing cards with his buddies, and relaxing with his cat, Top Notch. Richard was a character in the truest sense of the word. Armed with a quick wit, a ready saying for nearly every occasion, and an easygoing personality, it wasn’t hard to see why everyone liked to be around him. He wasn’t one to dwell on anything and would always say “everything’s lovely” when asked how he was doing. Richard made friends wherever he went and left behind plenty of stories.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Mariah Crockett Hawk and her husband, Noah, of Baltimore; his stepchildren, Brooke and Ethan Marshall, both of Tangier; his grandchildren, Ava, Mya, Seth, Tyler, Paige, and Anthony; his sisters, Barbara Parks and her husband, Wayne, and Jennifer Marshall and her husband, Teddy, all of Tangier; his nephews, Travis and Devin Marshall; and many extended family members and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his nephews, Anthony and Neil Parks.
A memorial service will be held at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m., with Elder Duane Crockett and Mr. Denny Crockett officiating. There will be a time of sharing a half hour prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 239, Tangier, VA 23440.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock and Parksley Funeral Homes.
