Albert Worrells

Albert Mears Worrells was born to Ruth and Henry Worrells on New Years Eve, 1920 in Dahlgren, Virginia. Born and raised in a Naval atmosphere, there was never any doubt about his life’s work. Dad graduated from King George High School and enlisted in the Navy 6 months later. December 18th, 1939 at the tender young age of 18. Dad always told his grandsons or any young man that would listen that they should “…join the Navy and see the world for free… food, clothing and a bed!” Dad served our great country from 1939-1967 on several ships that engaged the enemy in the Atlantic, Pacific and Asian Waters. He was a proud Naval Lt. when he retired and took great pride in wearing his uniform to church on every Veterans Day.

During Dads time in the service as a young man he started his lifelong passion for giving to others and leaving a legacy. Dad paid for and sponsored the schooling of several teachers and nurses in Taiwan with the Mustard Seed Company as well as young children in south America thru the Children’s International program. He continued this endeavor his entire life.

Dad attended Southwestern College and graduated from San Diego State University in May of 1975 with a degree in Real Estate. Dad had his own Real Estate business in Lemon Grove and continued his passion for serving the community around him by being a San Diego Blood bank donor giving more than 100 gallons, Delivering Meals on Wheels for over 14 years and fund raising for Meals on Wheels by doing bike rides in his pajamas. Dad was an avid organic gardener. He founded and served as president of the Bonita Organic Garden club. Dad became a credentialed teacher for Adult Education in 1976 teaching Organic Gardening and Real Estate classes.

Dad loved the Lord and served his church with passion on multiple committees, gardening, painting, and cleaning teams. Dad could be found working around the church in his retired years without being asked; just serving the Lord as he felt he was called to do. He was quick to volunteer for just about anything except singing in the choir! Dad organized the Salvation Army bell ringers at the church and rang for this charity well into his 80’s. Dad and mom were part of potluck groups, bible studies, and many fellowships. Everyone was blessed by Dads sense of humor, joke telling and of course his famous Roses are Red toasts.

Dad married mom in 1972 taking on the task of raising another family. His Son Dan was 26 and I guess dad just thought it was so much fun raising 1 that 3 more would just be a barrel of laughs!! Well it surely was, we camped we traveled around the United States, he participated in our school projects and supported mom while she was teaching special needs children. Dad would take the old -fashioned ice cream crank machine to her school so the kids could crank out a treat. Dad supported Earle during his scouting years, Jobs Daughters with Norma and Carol Ann all while keeping his new wife happy. Oh and the stories we could tell you about teaching us to drive…. let’s just say that was the end of any hair he had left on his head. Dad was so proud to walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding day, (but not before he tried to get the grooms to take the money and run) he beamed with pride as he gave us away with his blessings.

Dad blessed the 3 of us by being the best Grampie/Grampa Great ever!!! Our children/ grandchildren were treated to the humor of the Sunday funnies, a Pumpkin patch grown especially for them every year followed by a ride in the back of his old pick up truck. The grandchildren were taught the importance of hard work as they each took a turn planting and harvesting in the garden but dad always rewarded their hard work wth a walk down to feed the neighborhood horse with some tasty treats from his garden. There were numerous trips to Sea World, Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo, each child could tell you stories of their favorite times with him. Dad loved to bike ride, one of his favorite things to do with the family was a ride from the nature preserve in Imperial Beach to Coronado, (20 mile round trip) mom followed along in the van in case anyone pooped out but we all made the round trip and waited back at the preserve and greeted him as he biked in with the biggest smile. We had an old tandem and dad just loved to ride with the kids even though most couldn’t reach the pedals, kite making and flying, hot chocolate and marshmallows, plays in Balboa park, train rides in the park, feeding the ducks, picnics, sweat peas in milk cartons to deliver to friends, lots of stories and lessons from his Navy days and of course Wendy’s frosties for all were just some of the things our children/grandchildren will always hold dear in their hearts.

Dad and mom did a lot of traveling in their retired years…they enjoyed cruising thru the Panama Canal as well as touring Italy, England, Germany, and a yearly trip to Hawaii. Dad enjoyed musicals and they could often be found at Balboa Park or other venues enjoying dinner/picnic and a show with church friends and family and of course his Boxed wine:).

Dad loved Lawrence Welk and never missed a Saturday night program.

Dad lived a life that most of us strive for, loving God, loving people, serving others. Everything he did was with joy in his heart and a sense of humor …” humor is the best medicine he would say”. He has put his stamp on the future and made endless contributions to the lives of all those who knew him. His legacy will live on forever in future generations and there is no doubt he was received by our Lord with the words…well done my good and faithful servant.

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Our lives have all been blessed because of you.