On February 12, 2018, Al Fields, Jr. went to be with Jesus. Our hearts are saddened and our spirits are rejoicing at what he is experiencing in heaven right now. When you think about this man, affectionately known as “My Honey” to his bride of 66 years, Lucille, a lot comes to mind. He was a devout Christ follower, husband, Dad, Grandpa, Bepop, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and Pastor.
There is no way to count the number of lives that have been touched, changed, and transformed through this life that while, yet imperfect, chose to yield to a special working of God. In his own words…
“I have failed often while attempting to work through my life’s difficulties, and I see people all around me hopelessly trying to untangle the knots in their own lives. But my heart leaps inside me knowing that its “Christ For Me” and “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.” I have learned that God CAN turn my troubles into blessings. He CAN use my limitations and misfortunes to build altar stairs by which I may climb to a life of higher faith and fuller trust in Jesus. And, as I yield myself in humility to Him, He takes the tangled web of my life, sets it in the loom of His love, and weaves of it a pattern of beauty and glory that shall never fade away.”
It is truly a God ordained legacy passed on to those closest to his heart; his most amazing bride, two daughters, two sons, and spouses, grandchildren and spouses, great grandchildren, niece and nephews, and future generations. It’s a legacy of loving God more, serving people better, and making it all about Jesus.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
Psalm 103:1-5
A Memorial Service has been scheduled for 11:00AM on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at the East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 12735 Knights Griffin Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Preceding the service, a time of visitation will be held beginning at 10:30AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice Unit at the James A. Haley VA Hospital. Checks should be made payable to Voluntary Services and in the Memo Line indicate “Hospice Unit”. Checks may be mailed to James A. Haley VA Hospital, Attention: Voluntary Services 2nd Floor, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612.
However, if flowers are preferred they need to be SENT DIRECTLY to East Thonotasassa Baptist Church, 12735 Knights Griffin Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33952. The phone number is 813-986-4346.
Please sign his guestbook below.
My heart goes out to you all. I didn’t know Mr. Fields, but I know he raised another great man of God, my pastor and friend, Randy Fields. Many prayers for you all.
Thanking and praying for you and the family. God is so good to us and his love so deep. I love all of you. Elaine
My heart aches for the family left behind who will miss him. But rejoices that today he is with his God and in no more pain. Praying for all the family in the days ahead.
Lucy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Al was truly a wonderful man and I know he will be missed
Prayers for the family. I have sweet memories of Seffner and church and standing in Al and Lucille’s yard on a sunny day. So glad to have been a part of that memory ~love you all,
June Rogers
My heart goes out to the family. I have wonderful and sweet memories. Mr. Fields “Baptiste me when I was about 8-9 years old. Never got him and never will. I love you Ms. Cathy very much. Angel, Donna and PeeWee love you also.
What a beautiful legacy Bro. Al left for his family. We remember those special times at FBC, Mango. We are graateful that God put a group of people together to pray for one another, to love one another, and to share with one another the joys and even the sorrows. Love you all, this precious Fields family. God bless you and know we are all blest by your testimony of God’s amazing grace.
Randy, we will pray for you and your family during this time and in the days following for God to comfort you all. What a blessing and comfort to know this Godly man is now reaping the benefits of his earthly works. God Bless, Cuy and Tammy Simmons
What can I say about Uncle Al that truly describes the type of man he was? He was my Great Uncle, but most importantly, he was like a Grandfather to me. The times I visited, he opened his doors to me, no questions asked. Always made me laugh and smile. He made everything fun, and he was the kind of person who made you want to stay forever. I never wanted to leave. I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I will have those memories forever. When I think of Florida, I think of my Great Uncle and Great Aunt Lucy. Thank you for all the time you have spent with me. I can say I am lucky enough to have been in his presence. I love you and will miss you dearly. Love, Jennifer
My dear Unc,
As time passes each day you always/forever will remained a huge part of my being. Our Lord and Savior has blessed me immensely knowing you have been like a second Dad to me. We have shared so many incredible and touching moments together and they will always comfort me in my days ahead. Since 1975 each time I traveled and visited you in Fla it continued to strengthen my faith in knowing our Lord Jesus personally hand picked you to be my best friend and ‘UNC’. And without you in my life I wouldn’t have had my precious loving Aunt Lucy…. We will always have that ‘FIELDS CHIN CONNECTION’…. Rest in Peace I AlwayS will miss love and treasure you …. Your loving Nephew and Son. Your Mark XXXXOOOO peerspecialistprovctr@yahoo.com
From Linda Fanning—- Girlfriend of Mark Fields (Al’s Nephew)
To My Precious Uncle,
I spoke with you on the phone many times over the years and it was such a pleasure. You always made me laugh and lifted my spirits up—- especially when I was down and feeling blue. I’ll surely miss our phone conversations and talks. You and Auntie Lucy always never forget to ask how our 13 year old female honey “Heidi our Dog”was doing. Bye Uncle Al . Love always Linda and Heidi
Lucille and Family, Don’t know if you remember me from Old Fashion Baptist Church…I was a teenager when Bro. Al pastored there…my sister is Jahna Roe…Bro. Al used to sing the song. “On a Rugged Hill”. I loved it (still one of my favorites)and asked for a copy. You gave me a copy of it all those years ago…I still have it, and my husband still sings it…Bro. Al and my husband are the only ones I’ve ever heard sing that song. I think of Bro. Al everytime I hear it. Your daughter, Patti, was a flower girl in my wedding in Dec., 1963. Thank you for your service at Old Fashion Baptist Church. I’m so sorry for your loss(just found out about it)…please accept my deepest sympathies and know that he leaves behind the fondest of memories. Charlene