Pastor Erich Brian Albat

Our dear husband, father, son, brother, pastor, and friend, Erich Brian Albat III, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 surrounded by family and friends, after a lengthy and well fought battle with cancer. He was the firstborn child or Erich Albat, Jr. and Velma Albat. He grew up in Conway and graduated from Conway High School with the class of 1982. He met the love of his life, Melanie Rose Albat, at the University of Central Arkansas, where he served as a leader in the Baptist Student Union. Erich is survived by his wife of 33 years, Melanie, his daughter Rachel Acklin (Cole) of Little Rock and his son, Joshua, of the home. He is also survived by his mother, Velma, his sister Vicki Gibson (Gary), nieces Maggie and Emma Gibson, and his mother-in-law, Bronnie Rose, as well as his extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Erich Albat, Jr., his grandfather, Archie Wheeler, his father-in-law, Jerry Rose, his brother-in-law, Ronnie Hill, and several other close family members. Erich loved his family dearly and was very proud of his children and everything they accomplished. He was their biggest fan. Some of his favorite things to do were to watch Joshua playing sports, especially baseball. He loved to listen to Rachel play the piano and sing. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and enjoying God’s beautiful creations. Erich surrendered to the ministry when he was 18 years old and served as a pastor and youth minister for many years. For the last ten years he pastored at Point of Grace Baptist Church where he served his church family and community. His greatest pleasure was loving others and teaching them about God’s grace and love, and leading them to Christ. Visitation will be Saturday, November 10 at Friendship Baptist Church from 6-8. A celebration of Erich’s life will be held on Sunday, November 11 at Friendship Baptist Church at 2:00. The church is located off of Rocky Point Road south of the Eight Mile Store. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Erich requested memorials be made to Point of Grace Baptist Church located at 767 Hwy. 64B, Conway, AR 72032. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Vilonia Funeral Home 1134 Main Street Vilonia, AR 72173. Sign the online guestbook at www.viloniafuneralhome.com.
Visitation
Saturday November 10, 2018 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friendship Baptist Church 767 Rocky Point Road Conway, AR 72032
Home Going Celebration
Sunday November 11, 2018 2:00 PM Friendship Baptist Church 767 Rocky Point Road Conway, AR 72032
Interment following funeral service
Sunday November 11, 2018 Crestlawn Memorial Park 472 US-64 Conway, AR 72032