Albert Irbin Britnell

Albert Irbin Britnell, 85, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. In his last days, he was surrounded at home by the love and laughter of his devoted family.

Born on July 18, 1939, in Joaquin, Texas, he was a son of the late Abby Stringer Britnell and Clarence Britnell of Sulphur, Louisiana.

Albert joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, having always wanting to be a sailor. He served over 20 years as a Radioman and retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He said once that he felt guilty when someone thanked him for his service, because he never considered it a sacrifice. He was doing what he loved. Albert went on to retire from Dupont after a career as a Chemical Technician. He was proud of his career at Dupont but, at heart, always considered himself a sailor. Albert was devout in his Catholic faith, serving in many roles at the Charleston Naval Weapons Station All Saints Chapel.

In retirement, Albert’s world revolved around his wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren. Perhaps the only title he loved more than sailor was his role as “Granda”, a name that came to be used by everyone who knew him. His kindness wasn’t limited merely to his family. He adopted all the many friends of his wife, children, and grandchildren as his own.

Albert is preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth “Dinah” Britnell, who he adored and missed every moment of every day, as well as his sisters, Lenda and Sandra Britnell.

Albert leaves behind his three children and their spouses: Albert P. and Amy Britnell, Kathleen and James R. Williamson, Josephine and William R. Starnes. His memory will linger on in the lives of his grandchildren: Mary Katherine Starnes, Sarah Marie Williamson, Muireann and her husband Johnny Gill.

His great-grandchild, Finnic Oliver Gill, will grow up knowing just how much he was loved in the short time he had with his Great-Granda.

Albert also leaves behind his brother, Bobby Britnell of Lufkin, Tx, his sister-in-law Josephine Lisicki of Virginia Beach, Va. and his brother-in-law Patsy Nash of Derry, Northern Ireland, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he has always loved unconditionally.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of Albert’s favorite charities – Child Fund.

Your donations will continue his legacy and offer much needed support to a family in Ecuador he has sponsored for many years. Child Fund may be contacted at 800-776-6767.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Interment of his ashes alongside his beloved wife’s will be conducted at a later date. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843)553-1511.