Aug. 9, 1932 – March 15, 2016

NATCHEZ — Services for Albert Williams Metcalfe, 83, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at his residence, will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Denny Read and the Rev. Noelle Read officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.

Mr. Metcalfe was born Aug. 9, 1932, in Natchez, the son of Orrick Metcalfe and Anna Rose Williams Metcalfe.

He lived his entire life in his beloved Natchez with the exception of the time he attended college at both, Swarthmore and Sewanee, and served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Greenland.

As he would have wished, he breathed his first and last breath at the Parsonage, the Metcalfe family home since 1893. He was the consummate southern gentleman reminiscent of a by-gone era. He enjoyed serving as page (1939) and king (1957) of the Natchez Pilgrimage.

He married Geraldine Gay Coskery in 1959, who had moved to Natchez with her family from Pennsylvania. She would be his bride and his loving companion for 57 years. He was a devoted son, husband, father, uncle and grandfather, as well as a mentor, motivator and cheerleader to many.

He walked in the footsteps of Christ and lived his life in accordance with His word. He humbly served the First Presbyterian Church, his home church, for 83 years.

He embraced his community and served in leadership roles with Britton & Koontz First National Bank, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Trinity Episcopal Day School, et al. An avid sports enthusiast, he loved his teams: Ole Miss Rebels, Trinity Saints, Natchez-Adams High School, Atlanta Braves and the New Orleans Saints. Continuing in his father’s path, he ran Jordan Auto Company and considered each and every employee a member of the family. It was with great sadness to him that Jordan Auto closed its doors more than a decade ago. Of all his interests, there was probably none more special to him than that of the Natchez Rotary Club, where he enjoyed perfect attendance for more than 50 years. He was able to travel extensively via his commitment to this organization and meet wonderful fellow Rotarians along the way. Most important to him were the number of young adults who were able to study abroad and participate in global exchange programs because of his efforts. He truly enjoyed people and never met a stranger, often inviting tourists into his home for a tour, dinner or both. Whether he was known as Albert, Mr. Metcalfe, Uncle Albert, granddaddy or Albee, he was loved and will be missed by many.

Mr. Metcalfe was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Anna Rose Metcalfe Lanneau; and one brother, Dr. Orrick Metcalfe.

Survivors include his wife; one son, Albert Williams Metcalfe Jr. and wife, Jennifer Glime Metcalfe, of Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters, Deborah Metcalfe Aiken and husband, George Garland Aiken, of Raleigh, N.C., and Susan Metcalfe Ray and husband, James William Ray, of Charlotte, N.C.; six grandchildren, Lauren Paige Aiken and George Simmons Aiken, both of Raleigh, James William Ray Jr., Albert Williams Metcalfe III, Morgan Metcalfe Ray and Joseph Laurens Metcalfe, all of Charlotte; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The Metcalfe family is grateful for the loving support provided by the wonderful caregivers at Heart2Heart, Deaconess Home Health and Deaconess Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Natchez Rotary Club, Trinity Episcopal Day School or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.