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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

Former Shelby County Circuit Judge Al Crowson died this morning and leaves behind a legacy of faithful service to the Shelby County community, friends and his family.

Crowson died Wednesday morning on Feb. 5 and is preceded in death by his son, Daniel A. “Danny” Crowson. Jr. who died in February 2022.

Crowson was a well-respected member of the community after previously serving 17 years on the bench as Shelby County circuit judge before retiring in November 2005. During his tenure, Crowson oversaw 18,695 total cases, including more than 100 criminal jury trials and several high profile cases.

During his time on the bench, Crowson saw several significant achievement’s, including the development of the Community Corrections program, the implementation of juvenile and adult drug courts and increased courthouse security.

Crowson went to Hueytown High School and was a graduate of The University of Alabama. Crowson got his start working as an accountant, a lawyer and law school teacher before a fateful call from Gov. Guy Hunt tapped him to replace W.W. Rabren who was removed from office in 1988.

“I was extremely excited, no doubt about that,” Crowson told the Shelby County Reporter at the time of his retirement.

Filled with both excitement and anxiety, Crowson took the bench for the first time and solidified his place in the courtroom—commanding the respect of those present and faithfully serving Shelby County for the next 17 years.

“You’re going to be nervous and you want to be sure that you’re doing everything right,” he said. “And then later on, of course, it gets easier to rule. Then you don’t doubt yourself as much.”