“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Surrounded by family, Albert died peacefully in his home on October 16, 2021, in Bakersfield,
California.
Albert Ricardo Prince also affectionately known as “Al” was born June 14, 1956 in Long
Island, NY. His parents were the late Caesar Napoleon Prince and Mary Ruth Prince. He was
the second born child. During his early childhood he lived in many cities due to his father being
in the Air Force. This included a stay in Bitburg, Germany which he often spoke of fond
memories of playing in the snow and learning the native language. When he was 12 years old,
his mother Mary passed away causing the family to move to Sumter, SC, his fathers hometown.
In Sumter, he attended the local schools and graduated from Sumter High in 1974. He went on
to graduate from Morris College with a degree in Business Administration. He would often
mention that he finished in 3 years and 2 summers.
In the early 1980s, after graduating Morris, he decided to venture out to Bakersfield, CA.
In 1986 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, he met the love of his life Brenda Toliver, and her
two children, Marvin and Jennifer. On February 20, 1988, the two would marry and from that
union four children were born; Elyse, Alan, Spenser and Sebastian.
During his time in Bakersfield, Albert was an accomplished businessman. In 1988, he
founded Prince Insurance Agency and operated for over 25 years. Along with being an affluent
businessman, Albert was very involved in his community. He became the first chairman of the
Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, and he was a chairperson for the City of Bakersfield
Redevelopment Agency board for 8 over years. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Past Master
of the San Joaquin Lodge #11. He was also one of the founding owners of the Bakersfield Jam
NBA D-League Basketball Team. In 2012, he started the Valley Small Business and
Construction Report where he sent out a weekly newsletter to over 5,000 subscribers, held
expos and workshops to assist small business owners. He was also very involved at St. John
Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Tyree Toliver. There he served on the
Deacon and Trustee boards. Albert also was very active in the Jr. and Sr. brotherhoods (he was
a brotherhood man). He taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and Baptist Training
Union. Albert enjoyed mentoring the next generation and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Albert Prince was truly one of a kind. He loved traveling, shopping and enjoying life with
his wife and family. If you knew him well, you know he would frequently visit his favorite city, Las
Vegas, NV. You could never have a conversation with him without learning something or getting
some type of encouragement.
His children remember him as being an amazing father, provider, role model,
entrepreneur and he taught them to strive for the best in everything. He loved his extended
family and had a special bond with his siblings; Albert was truly a family man.
His legacy will never be forgotten and his impact will live in our hearts forever. He was
preceded in death by his wife of twenty-eight years, Brenda Prince, his parents Ceasar and
Mary Ruth Prince as well as his sister Pamela Prince. He leaves to cherish his memories, his
children, Marvin Davis, Jennifer Luchien (Timithy), Elyse Prince, Alan Prince (Brittany), Spenser
Prince, and Sebastian Prince. He also leaves his siblings, Cecelia Lee, Frederick Prince
(Stephanie), and Steve Bradford (Cassondra).His grandchildren; Christian Holden, Cai Holden,
Vanessa Luchien ,Taililly Luchien, Maiya Luchien, Jalen Luchien, and Michael Prince. A host of
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special thank you to all of his doctors and nurses at
Fresenius Kidney Care and a special thank you to David Toliver Jr..
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