
Charles Everett Crenshaw, 78, of Mobile Alabama, passed away peacefully at home into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ, on June 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Charles was born on March 27, 1948, in Mobile, Alabama, to Floyd Everit Crenshaw and Annie Frances Crenshaw. He was the oldest of six children.
Charles was a devoted member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended the Kingdom Hall in Irvington, Alabama. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided the way he treated others--with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Charles loved life and found joy in its simple pleasures. He enjoyed fishing, and, in his younger years, loved to go oystering along the Gulf Coast. He never passed up the opportunity to watch a good football game and was a proud Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He loved good music, especially classic rock and roll and classic country, a good cigar with good company and was brutal at playing cards. More than anything, however, Charles cherished time spent with family and friends. He was deeply proud of his loved ones and treasured every moment shared with them.
A hardworking man throughout his life, Charles enjoyed working with his hands and took pride in every job he had. His career included positions with Brown and Root, and Electrolux Service Department, and he retired from the Pep Boys Service Department in 2016.
Charles will be remembered as a tenderhearted soul. He was devoted and loving, steadfast in purpose, generous in spirit and unwavering in the love he gave to family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect and always greeted others with a warm smile. His personal motto was simple: “always be kind.” Those words reflected the way he lived his life and the legacy he leaves behind.
Charles was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. His life touched countless people, and he will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his daughter, Cindy T. Crenshaw; his brother, Sp4 Joe Edward Crenshaw (Army Vietnam 1970); his sister, Elma Sue Hiitola; his Uncle, Joe T. Quimbley and his aunts, Jackie Barber and Elma Gean Manning.
Charles is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 29 years, Brenda McGinley Crenshaw. Together they shared a rare and enduring unconditional love, rooted in faith, and
unwavering devotion. Through life’s joys and challenges, they remained steadfast partners, providing a beautiful example of commitment to all who knew them. They were truly the light in each other’s lives.
He is also survived by his children: Denise Bissell (Jim) of Cullman, Alabama; Lynette Crenshaw Gleason of Moss Point, Mississippi; Melissa Janes (Cris) of Irvington, Alabama; Elizabeth Crenshaw of Chickasaw, Alabama; and David Andrews of Cullman, Alabama. He is survived by a brother, David Crensaw (Judy) of Lynnville, Tennessee; his sisters, Barbara Ann Crenshaw and Debra Ogren of Oklahoma; and his aunt, Margaret Streetman of Columbus, Georgia.
Charles was a devoted Pawpaw and Grandpa to his grandchildren: SSGT Hayden S. Tolley, USAF (Daneisha) of Crestview, Florida; Hannah “Hero” Tolley Beckendorff (Andrew) of Biloxi, Mississippi: Olivia S. Tolley of Cullman, Alabama; Nathan Bissell (Hana) of Saucier, Mississippi; Chelsea Bissell of Dallas, Texas; Micah Andrews and Sage Andrews of Cullman, Alabama; Jayna Huber Wade (David) of Grand Bay, Alabama; Daniel Huber of Mobile, Alabama; Justin Ridings (Brooke) of Theodore, Alabama; Tyler Janes of Irvington, Alabama and Mahaylee Tillman of Chickasaw, Alabama.
He was also blessed with great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Hadlee Bissell and Rory Bissell of Saucier, Mississippi; Laykyn Wade and Hunter Wade of Grand Bay, Alabama; and Jon Ridings of Theodore, Alabama.
Many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends also survive him.
Charles leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, generosity, loyalty, compassion, kindness, and, above all, love. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the memories he created, the values he instilled, and the love he shared so freely. His influence will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the Alabama Hospice Care team who cared for Charles with such compassion and dignity during his illness. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort not only to Charles but to his entire family.
Brenda would also like to express special thanks to daughters Denise Bissell and Lynette Gleason for their tireless dedication and loving assistance during his illness. Their support was invaluable throughout his illness. Loving appreciation is also extended to his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pearl and Ronnie Walker, for their unwavering support, generosity, and selfless giving of their time and care.
Though our hearts were not ready to say goodbye, we are grateful for the years, memories, laughter, and love Charles shared with us. He will never be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
Arrangements are by Ascension Funeral Home, 1016 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, Alabama 36695.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0