L. Earl Crittenden

L. Earl Crittenden, 87, went home to be with our Lord May 17, 2013. He was born in Florence, AL to Robert Earl and Elvie Irene Crittenden. He described himself as a little boy from north Alabama. While attending grammar school he met the little girl who would, one day, become his bride of 65 years, Elna Garrard Russell. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 at the young age of 17. He had to obtain permission from his parents. They gave it reluctantly. He served as Navy Seaman piloting a landing craft that was at most of the major assaults in the Pacific. He spent two days on the shore of Iwo Jima and heard the ships blow their horns when the flag was raised by the Marines. In 1946 he was honorably discharged from service and he returned to Florence and Coffee High School where he completed his senior year. Following graduation he and his lifelong love married. They moved to Tuscaloosa, AL where he enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Alabama. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. Upon which time he would accept a position with Southern Bell in Jacksonville, FL. This was the beginning of an illustrious career with Southern Bell that would span 40 years. During his career he climbed through the ranks, moving throughout Florida, Georgia and North Carolina only to return to Jacksonville in late 1970s, the city he always called home, as Vice President/North Florida with BellSouth.

He was truly a part of the Greatest Generation, understanding the importance of giving back and doing as much as he could to advance the lives of others and make whatever contributions needed to improve our community. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Barnett Bank of Jacksonville, served on the Inaugural Board of Trustees for the University of North Florida, member of the North Florida Council Boy Scouts of America, Methodist Hospital Foundation, Chairman of Wolfson Children’s Hospital Board of Directors, Baptist Medical Center Board of Directors, President of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, Board of Directors for the Greater Jacksonville Christian School and Chairman of the United Way of Northeast Florida campaign. He was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the NF Boys Scouts of America, selected Man of Vision for Vision is Priceless, and received the Humanitarian Award from the Greater Conference of Christians and Jews in 1986. He was a Fellow in the College of Engineering at the University of Alabama where he established the L. Earl & Elna R. Crittenden Scholarship given annually to a deserving engineering student. He also served as a member on the University’s President’s Council.

His faith and sharing was a vital part of his life. He taught Sunday school for 40 years at numerous Church of Christ congregations. He served as a deacon as well as an elder at Sandy Springs Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA; Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte, NC; and San Jose Church of Christ in Jacksonville.

He was a golfer, tennis player, fisherman, hunter and horseman. He derived great pleasure for flying, especially over the Abaco Islands. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Elna Earle Coble (Robert M. Coble, II ) and Suzanne Garrard Crittenden, four grandchildren: Robert McLean Coble, III (Devonie), Lt. Russell Alexander Coble (Madeline), Dr. Taylor Crittenden Boone (Brian Marquardt), Rachael Elizabeth Boone Kent (Allen); four great-grandchildren: Matilda Barrett Coble, Henry Russell Coble, Amelia Madeline Coble and Valerie Lita Marquardt.

Pall Bearers: Robert McLean Coble, II, Robert McLean Coble, III, Lt. Russell Alexander Coble, Kriston Allen Kent, Gregory Powers Price, Charles Ash Weekley. Honorary pall bearers: W. W. Gay, Sr., Dr. James R. McCain, James P. Jones, Jack Demetree, William T. Bailey, The Honorable Jake Godbold.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm Monday, May 20, 2013 at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville FL 32207. Funeral Services will be 11:00am Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at San Jose Church of Christ 6233 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville FL. 32217 with Mike Johnson officiating followed by burial in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to Vision is Priceless, 3 Schircliff Way, Suite 546, Jacksonville, FL 32204. 904-308-2020.

Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.