Albert Earl Santa Cruz

ALBERT EARL SANTA CRUZ, age 84, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. 

Albert was born March 5, 1940, in Biloxi, MS, to Albert Wilson Santa Cruz and Lora Bell Santa Cruz (nee Hudson). He was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He grew up in D’Iberville, and graduated from D’Iberville High School. 

Albert enjoyed a long career in law enforcement. He was more than just a man of incredible accomplishments – he was (and remains) a legend. From his dedicated service as a State Trooper to his role as Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, he served with honor, integrity, and a heart full of generosity. 

Upon completion of training at the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training Academy in 1974, Albert served as a State Trooper in several Mississippi Counties, including George County, Jackson County, and Pearl River County. He advanced in his career and served as Captain of MHP District 8, and later as Southern Region Captain of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Executive Protection Division. In July 2010, he was appointed Director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. In February 2011, he was appointed Commissioner of Public Safety, and served in that position until he retired in 2017. His law enforcement career spanned a total of 43 years. 

Albert cherished his family and friends. In his free time, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, collecting and restoring used vehicles and other memorabilia. His legacy of service, kindness, and devotion will live on in the countless lives he touched. 

Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Wilson and Lora Bell Santa Cruz; his sons, Joseph Fritz (infant), Michael Glen, and Stephen Jay. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris Santa Cruz; daughter, Sherry Santa Cruz Pittman (Jay); son, Glenn Albert Santa Cruz (Jo); grandchildren, Kayla Santa Cruz (Caleb Smith), Taylor Santa Cruz Pittman, Lauren Pittman Douglas (Austin), Logan Albert Pittman, Dylan Ruth Santa Cruz, and Sophie Claire Santa Cruz; and by his great-grandchildren, Conner Smith, Cloie Smith, Saylor Layne Douglas, and Crew Michael Douglas. 

Albert is also survived by his siblings, Lora Lee Garbin (George), Shirley Ann Santa Cruz, Tommy Santa Cruz (Nadine), and Charlene Tanner (Jimmy, deceased). In addition to his siblings, Albert is survived by numerous nephews and nieces. 

Visitation will be held Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Separately, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with an intimate gathering of family and close friends, followed by interment in Santa Cruz Cemetery, Saucier, MS. The Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard will be present at both services. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Mississippi State Troopers Association, PO Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205, or to one’s charity of choice. 

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to all who have shared support, prayers, and friendship.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Albert Earl Santa Cruz.