Alton Joseph Pickrell, Sr.

Alton Joseph Pickrell Sr, 91 passed away peacefully at his home on Monday February 3rd 2025. Born November 16th, 1933, he was the son of the late Willie Edgar and Madie Pickrell. 

He was employed by Sears Roebuck and Company for over 30 years in various positions. In his early retirement, he was a stay-at-home Grandpa, before returning to work part-time delivering flowers. He retired from Forever Flowers at the age of 82. He was a former 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper and received recognition for his service during the cold war.

He believed in keeping busy and enjoyed being outdoors doing gardening, maintaining his yard and mowing. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching Nascar, Football and the Atlanta Braves. He was also a skilled guitar player often playing old gospel and bluegrass tunes for his family.

Above all he loved his family, particularly enjoying his Grandchildren and Great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Heather Pickrell and Michael May; a son-in-law, Bryan Schoolfield; brothers, Eugene Pickrell, Thomas Pickrell, Robert Pickrell and Jasper Pickrell and sisters, Lizzie Gwynn, Irene Jarrett, Evelyn Gunn, Gladys Woods and Thelma Brown.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years Iris Childers Pickrell; sons, Alton Joseph Pickrell, Jr. and Johnny Randall Pickrell (Tabitha); daughters, Susan Pickrell and Lori Pickrell Schoolfield; grandchildren, Kristin Pickrell Sockwell (Bryant), Miranda Lynn Walter (Josh) and Richard Joseph Ward (Kim); great grandchildren, Adeline and Cullen Sockwell, TJ, Bee and Bastian Walter; sister, Esther Pickrell Craddock and special sisters-in-law, Lucille Pickrell Pryor and Shirley Childers; and many other family, friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Thursday February 6th from 6-8pm at Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington and other times at the home. The funeral will be held Friday February 7th at 2pm at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Gibsonville City cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Authoracare Hospice of Burlington, especially caregivers Tina R, Bobbi and Ruby.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Authoracare Hospice of Burlington, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215. In addition, the family wishes to Thank everyone for their love support and prayers over the last few years.

2nd Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."