Robert Ralph "Coach" Crockett

Robert Ralph Crockett, also known as the inspiring "Coach Crockett," passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020, surrounded by his family. Ralph Crockett was born into a large, loving family of nine brothers and two sisters in the town of Crocketts’ Cove in Tazewell County, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor's Degree at The University of Lynchburg in 1954, and later went on to earn his Master's in 1956 at the University of Tennessee.

Coach Crockett was named the basketball coach at Tucker High School when the school opened in 1962. He was also the athletic director for 10 years. He coached the basketball team until 1984. “Coach” started his career in 1956 in Radford, Virginia, and later moved to Henrico County where he would serve about 25 years in the public school system. He left his mark on many schools such as Freeman High School, Hermitage High School, Tuckahoe Junior High, and most importantly J.R. Tucker High School. He will be remembered as the most successful basketball coach in Tucker school history. He led the team to multiple district championships, and in 1974 Coach Crockett led the Tucker Tigers to win the Colonial District regular season championship and the Colonial District tournament championship as well. In 1976, Crockett led the Tigers to the school’s best ever 21-3 record and Colonial District Regular Season Championship. In 1999, he was inducted into the J.R. Tucker Hall of Fame.

The secret to Coach Crockett’s successful career was his love for the game and his love for teaching, and many believe that Coach Crockett would have worked for free. He was by far one of the most remarkable and most successful teachers to ever teach in the public school system.

After retiring from Henrico County, Coach Crockett went on to teach and coach basketball at Tavares High in Tavares, FL. He then moved back to Richmond to start his own courier service, ® alpha Courier. He enjoyed traveling the eastern United States for several years until he finally retired and focused his attention on his family: his wife, Elizabeth Crosby Crockett; 3 sons, Randy, Nick, and Charlie; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Ralph Crockett will be remembered as the generous, God-loving man who could make you laugh. He was always there to lend a helping hand in any way that he could. He had a love and talent for gardening perfect azaleas and the best tomatoes you would ever see, making the most delicious fried chicken and gravy you could ever taste, and taking anyone with him who shared his love for fishing. Not only that, but Coach Crockett had a love for the Virginia Tech Hokies like no other.

Robert Ralph Crockett will be missed dearly by friends and family alike and will hold a special place in the hearts of many forever.