Kenneth Wayne McCrelles, 82, of Jacksonville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at Anniston Health and Rehabilitation. Kenneth was born on May 11, 1944, to the late Fred and Flora McCrelles. He was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Alabama, where he made many wonderful memories throughout his life.
Kenneth began working at the cotton mill in Jacksonville as a teenager and remained there until its closure. He later worked at a textile plant while continuing his education and eventually earning his diploma. Kenneth then began his career at Jacksonville State University, where he dedicated 30 years of service. He started as a groundskeeper and later moved into the maintenance department, where he worked as a plumber until his retirement.
Throughout his years at Jacksonville State University, Kenneth received several awards recognizing his hard work and dedication. He was highly respected and loved by his coworkers and staff, who often spoke of his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Kenneth enjoyed many things in life, including muscle cars, powerlifting, tending to his flower gardens, and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Most of all, he cherished the time he spent with his late wife, Linda, their family, and the many loved ones who meant so much to him.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Linda McCrelles; his parents , his son, Dustin McCrelles; his brothers, Jerry and Lamar McCrelles; his son-in-love, Jeff Wilson; his special fur baby, Nikko; and several other beloved family members.
He is survived by his two daughters, Daphne Wilson and Leslie Hammett (Derrick); six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
A memorial service for Mr. McCrelles will be held on September 19, 2026, at 733 White Plains Rd Anniston Alabama 36207 in the chapel at Cremation Services of East Alabama . We will receive friends and loved ones from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Anniston Health and Rehabilitation and Gentiva Hospice for the wonderful care given to Kenneth over the past year. Special thanks are also extended to his granddaughter, Ashton, for the loving care she provided before his move into rehabilitation, and to East Alabama Cremation for all they have done to help keep Kenneth’s memory alive, as he will be deeply missed .
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kenneth’s memory to either of the following organizations: Venecia’s Foundation, supporting cancer awareness or Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, the Life Mobile Ministry, which helps provide food and assistance to those in need. https://JITWL.org.
The family is grateful for any donation made in Kenneth’s memory and for the opportunity to honor his life by helping others
