Alfred Henry "Al" Lockamy

Alfred Henry “Al” Lockamy, age 83, of Long Beach, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport following a brief illness. Born on May 8, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina, Al was the second of four children born to the late Alfred Peron Lockamy and Frances Fuller Lockamy Odom. He grew up with his two brothers and sister. His father, a Durham police officer, built the family home by hand, and his mother worked at Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company. As a young man, Al worked part-time at Eckerd’s Drug Store. He earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and an advanced degree in education from East Carolina University. Al met the love of his life, Linda Cherry, early in their teaching careers. They shared 59 years of marriage and raised two children, Cherry and Christian. Al devoted his career to public education, beginning as a teacher and spending most of his career as a principal at Mattamuskeet School in Swan Quarter, North Carolina. He was a longtime member of Providence Methodist Church and later Soule Methodist Church, both in Swan Quarter. He loved hunting, fishing, and playing golf. His adventurous spirit also led him to take up skydiving in his 60s, making several jumps. A naturally social person, Al especially enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He shared a lifelong bond with his brother, Bob, and his cousin, Claude, who was like a brother to him. The three spent time together over the years, sharing interests and making lasting memories. Music was also a lifelong interest. Encouraged by his mother to learn piano at an early age, Al played both piano and guitar. After retiring, he returned to piano lessons and became an accomplished pianist, taking particular enjoyment in learning to play classical music. A devoted East Carolina University supporter, Al volunteered for many years in support of Pirate athletics. He also authored several poems honoring his alma mater, including “The Ghost on the Wind,” which has been featured on the stadium’s big screen as part of the Pirate football team’s entrance since 2005. Al is survived by his wife, Linda Cherry Lockamy, and his son, Christian Alfred Lockamy, both of Long Beach, Mississippi; his grandson, Jacob Earl Nixon of Jamesville, North Carolina; his former son-in-law, Don Nixon, and wife, Deborah; his brother, Robert Manning (Bob) Lockamy, and wife, Nancy, of Durham, North Carolina; his former sister-in-law, Sara Lockamy; and his first cousin, Claude Sykes, and wife, Susan, of Hendersonville, North Carolina. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including Johnnie Robbins, Pete Credle, and Jim Markham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Cherry Lockamy Nixon; his brother, Malcom Scott Lockamy; and his sister, Candace Gaye Ellen Lockamy. We know Al will be reunited with his daughter, Cherry; his parents; his brother and sister; his best childhood friend, Kenny Pennington, who was killed in Vietnam; and many other loved ones and dear friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at Wilkerson’s Funeral Home Chapel in Greenville, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the chapel beginning at 12:30 p.m., prior to the service. The family thanks the medical team at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport for their compassionate care. Memories and condolences may be shared through his online memorial page.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Alfred Henry “Al” Lockamy.