Mickey W. Crane, 69, of Nauvoo, Ala., passed away Sept. 12, 2019. He was a retired Baptist minister, having served New Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Nauvoo, Ala. for 38 years.
Saved as a child, Mr. Crane answered the call to preach at age 17. He pastored 3 churches (Good Springs, Union Hill, and Chigger Hill) the first 8 years, and then pastored New Oak Grove from 1978 until 2017. He held scores of revivals all over Northwest Alabama. Bro. Mickey served as Moderator of Walker County Free Will Baptist Association, served on the Executive Committee of the Alabama Free Will Baptists State Association, and served as Chairman of the Mid-South Bible Conference Board.
Visitation is Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at New Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church, Nauvoo, Ala.
Funeral service is Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the church. He will lie in state from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the church. Officiating will be Donnie Dodd, Chris Pschirer, Hugh Cavender, Danny Williams, Danny Page, and Randall Tice. Burial to follow in New Oak Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Crane is survived by his wife, Barbara Crane; son, Chris Crane; grandson, Drew Kelley; granddaughter, Carlee Crane; sisters, Jessie Hilliard and Lavona Estes Hill; sister in law, Patsy Crane; a host of family and friends.
He is preceded in death by parents, Noah Joshua and Nancy Cook Crane; son, Carlos Wayne Crane; daughter in law, Amanda Galloway Crane; grandson, Christopher Paul Crane, Jr.; brothers, Vuice Crane, Odell Hezekiah Crane, Marshall “Mot” Crane; sisters, Irma Christine Flemming and George Ann Crane Scott.
Bro. Mickey, which was how most everyone referred to him, was a husband, father, grandfather, preacher, pastor, and friend. These were roles in his life, but behind these roles were character traits which made him the man beloved by so many.
He was a man of humor. He was well known for telling jokes and funny stories. If Bro. Mickey was present, laughter was sure to follow. He was one of those people you enjoyed being around.
He was a man with a heart. Tenderness and compassion were demonstrated in his words and actions. He was sensitive to the hurts of others. Tears were a language he understood and spoke. He loved people. He loved his numerous friends and his precious family. He especially loved his wife, Barbara who he called Shug. He often referred to her as the Wind Beneath his Wings.
He was a man who knew how to help. Helping others was a result of his servant’s spirit. Bro. Mickey practiced putting others ahead of himself, giving of his time, energy, strength, and self to help someone in need. He, also, helped hundreds of people through encouragement. He knew the value of a kind word, a timely phone call, or a strengthening prayer.
He was a man of hope. The Word of God was the foundation of his trust and Jesus Christ was the source of his faith. His faith had been tested and tried, and it proved to be real. You could hear and see it as he preached and sang. The greatest evidence, however, was seen in his daily life. His example of purity and perseverance leave footsteps for us to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made for Gideon bibles in his memory.
You may leave online condolences at www.pinkardfh.com
