Pastor's Blog

Feb. 4, 1951 – Nov. 8, 2016 James Calvin Crist Jr. passed away November 8, 2016. Calvin is survived by his wife, Suzanne McKnight Crist; mother, Helen Crist; son Cory (Ashley) Crist and grandson Connor; daughter, Courtney (Chris) Cavin, granddaughters Blakeley and Lilly; stepsons Brandon (Meghan Reintz) and Charles Clarke; sister, Diane (Mike) Onderdonk; niece, Cristen (Todd) Mahone; nephew, Chad Onderdonk; and an aunt, Debbie Glisson. Calvin’s father was the late Rev. James Calvin Crist. Calvin was an educator for more than 45 years in Mobile County. He began his career at Central Baptist School where he taught history, physical education and health, and later became principal and head custodian. He taught at Live Oak Academy and Northside Bible Academy before moving to Mobile County Public School System for a 39-year career. With MCPSS, Calvin taught and coached at Theodore Middle School and at Alba Middle/High School, Clark School of Math and Science and Satsuma High School. For several years, he instructed special needs students’ drivers’ education. At his death, Calvin was Supervisor of Athletics, Physical Education, Driver’s Education and Health Education for Mobile Public Schools. In his youth, he played sports, excelling in basketball and track, and played softball for many years. He was an avid sports fan, and all who knew him also knew that he loved watching Alabama football. During his long teaching and coaching career, Calvin had a positive effect on many students’ lives as a mentor and role model. He was an inspiration to his children and was loved and admired for the strong faith instilled by his mother and father, a Baptist minister for 50 years. His family was his heart, and he will missed by family, friends and co-workers. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Friday, November 11 at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street. A funeral service will follow at Radney; interment will be at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Theodore.