Elvis Anthony Crocker, 69, of Picayune, Mississippi, formerly of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He was born on October 7, 1956, in Picayune, Mississippi. 

Elvis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, Air Force veteran, master craftsman, and man of deep, unwavering faith. He lived a life defined by quiet strength, creativity, hard work, and a genuine love for God, family, and others. To everyone who knew him, he was the steady presence who could build anything with his hands and mend anything with his heart. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Elvis was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas. He began his career as a carpenter, helping build homes in the Woods subdivision of New Orleans alongside his brother-in-law, Dalton Lumpkin. For 25 years he served as a superintendent with Ed A. Wilson Construction, playing a key role in constructing landmark buildings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the Worthington Hotel, projects at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, and the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas. Elvis was also a gifted artist and musician. He painted, played guitar, and sang in the gospel quartet The Instruments of Peace. For more than 30 years he faithfully served Harvest Baptist Church in Watauga, Texas, using his construction expertise and artistic talents in set design, lighting, and sound. Later in life, he partnered with his brother Arliss in Crocker Brothers Locksmith Company. In retirement, he and his wife Janet enjoyed many happy years traveling the country in their camper before returning to their roots near Picayune. He will be remembered for his exceptional craftsmanship, his love of all sports, his quick wit, infectious laugh, and his ability to fix anything. Above all, he was known as “Papa” — the man whose lap was always open, whose stories were always ready, and whose faith in Christ shone through everything he did. 

Elvis was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Daniel Crocker; his mother, Olive Hettie Lee Crocker; his brothers, Larry and Joe Crocker; and his grandson, William Anthony Runnels. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet Burge Crocker; his children, Janna Michelle (Brad) Blocker, Elvis Anthony Crocker II, and Sarah Elizabeth (Will) Beard, all of the Fort Worth, Texas area; his brother, Michael (Lola) Crocker of Jackson, MS; his sister, Libbie (Pete) Porter of Clinton, MS; his brother, Arliss (Jeanette) Crocker of Keller, TX; his sister-in-law, Suzy Crocker of Atlanta, GA, Emily Casebolt of Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Eric Cash Harrison (Arlington, TX), Elizabeth Rose Runnels, Rebecca Avery Runnels (Niceville, FL), and Elvis Alexander Beard (Fort Worth, TX); and many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A celebration of Elvis’s life will be held at Lee’s Chapel No. 1 Baptist Church, 11 Herb Lee–Fred Spears Road, Carriere, Mississippi, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. 

A second memorial service will be held at Venture Church, 801 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas; date and time to be announced. 

Elvis leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, integrity, and love. The structures he built will stand for decades, but the greatest work of his hands was the family he raised and the example of Christ-centered living he gave to all who knew him. He is now at home with his Savior, whole and rejoicing, and will be deeply missed until we meet again.