Albert Willard Farrenkopf, Jr., affectionately known as Al, passed away on October 10, 2026, in Franklin, Virginia, at the age of 87. Born on February 1, 1939, in Suffolk, Virginia, Al lived a life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and community.

Al devoted many years to his career as a brakeman-conductor for Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he was respected for his hard work and commitment. Beyond his professional life, Al embraced a rich array of interests including playing and watching sports, boating and fishing, riding rollercoasters, reading, and most especially, caring for his grandchildren and spending cherished time with his family.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church in Suffolk, "Uncle Albert" was deeply involved in volunteering and serving the Lord, touching many lives through his kindness and generosity. He enjoyed driving the church bus for youth and senior trips and singing in the choir at First Baptist. He spent many years working the front desk of Obici Hospital as a volunteer. His competitive spirit shone brightly as he participated in the Senior Olympics at local, regional, state, and national levels, exemplifying his passion for an active and engaged lifestyle.

Al was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Antonia "Toni" Holt Farrenkopf; his parents, Albert Willard Farrenkopf Sr. and Lucy Viola Askew Farrenkopf; and his sisters, Virginia May Farrenkopf Johnson, Mary Frances Farrenkopf Luter and Linda Farrenkopf Tomlin.

He is survived by his devoted children, Laura Lathrop and her husband Wayne, and Daniel Farrenkopf and his wife Lindsey; treasured grandchildren and their spouses, Alex and Eric Curtis, Shawn and Bradley Vierkant, Blake and Angela Farrenkopf, Dylan and Ciara Farrenkopf, and Brianna and Jonathon Powell; and beloved great grandchildren, Felix Vierkant, Selah Powell, Preston Powell, Jack Curtis, Emma Farrenkopf, Adelaide Vierkant, Harper Farrenkopf, Walker Farrenkopf, and Maggie Curtis. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Pete Salmon; sisters-in-law Becky Duvall, Brenda Mathews, and Donna Chesson and her husband Doug; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service to honor Al's life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia, with Reverend Dr. Thurman Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia, or the Alzheimer's Association .

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Candy Baines for her loving care of Al which allowed him to remain at home as long as possible.

The family would also like to thank the staff of East Pavilion/Fairview Rehab for their kindness and compassionate care of Al over the past two years.

Albert "Al" Farrenkopf Jr. will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose legacy of love, faith, and community service will continue to inspire all who knew him.