Irving Lewis Crockett Sr.

Reflection of Life - The Journey Deacon Irving Lewis Crockett, Sr., was born May 23, 1933 in Ellerson, VA, the third of seven children born to the late James H. and Sallie Meade Robinson Crockett. He was educated in Hanover County and trained as a machinist at the Richmond Technical Center. Irving was baptized early in life, at what was then called, "The Mill Pond." After confessing Christ as his Lord and Savior, he was welcomed as a new member of First Union Baptist Church. Having been brought up in a large Christian family, Irving was a firm believer in looking out for others and in living a life that demonstrated his belief in the gospel. To this end, he served in many capacities for both his church and the community. He sang in the church sanctuary choir for a period of time and, at the age of 25, was ordained a deacon, serving until his death. From1985-2011, he served as chairman of the deacon ministry. He worked diligently to serve God, his family and his community with godly conviction and consistency until the Lord called him home on October 12, 2016. Irving worked in downtown Richmond at the Seafood and Chicken Facility for a period, after which he began working for Greyhound Bus Lines as a mechanic. In 1953, he was drafted into the US Army as a foot soldier, where he served for two years. After his time in the Army, Irving began working at Westvaco as a printer in their printing division. During his tenure, he was promoted to Shift Leader,supervising a team of six men; until retirement in 2000 after 43 years of service. Shortly before he began his military service, Irving met his wife, Virginia (Ginny). At the time, Irving's brother Herbert was dating a cousin of Ginny's, and asked Irving to take him by his girl friend's house for a visit. When they arrived, Ginny's cousin introduced them. Though he hadn't planned on it, Irving was charmed by her hazel eyes, and found that he suddenly had an urge to stay and visit, too. They went out on their first date that night. Later that evening, Irving told his mother, "Mother, I do believe Ijust met the girl I'm going to marry!"He was love-struck. Irving and Virginia continued to date for the duration of his military service and on August 13, 1955, the two were married. Irving's hobbies included fishing, hunting, traveling, and horseback riding. He was a member of Doc's Posse Riding Club for a number of years. Over the course of their marriage, he and Ginny were blessed to have traveled to 43 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Irving also worked with the PTAs of Amelia Street and East End Elementary School of Mechanicsville, VA. Irving was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Sally R. Crockett, brother James "Sonny", William H. and sister Pearl. He leaves to celebrate his life: his devoted wife of 61 years, Virginia Henry Crockett; four loving children; Irving L. Jr. (Betty), Andrea C. Rich, Geraldine C. Baird (Steven), and Kevin M. (Andrea); nineteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one goddaughter, Tawanda Jones (Stanley), two brothers, Herbert (Helen), George (Lillie), one sister, Adele Hooper, one sister-in-law, Geraldine Crockett, and a grand host of other family and friends who loved him dearly. Irving, we will miss your ready laugh and easy smile, your booming voice, and the sincerity with which you loved and took delight in those around you. Heaven's gain is most assuredly our loss.

Tributes

Irving Lewis Crockett Sr.

May 23, 1933 - October 12, 2016