Roy Caldwell's Obituary
Roy Smith Caldwell, a pillar of his community and a beloved figure in Huntersville, NC, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, at the age of 95. Roy, born in Iredell County, NC, on October 4, 1928, was the epitome of a life well-lived.
Roy was deeply rooted in his family, having grown up among his 10 siblings, each of whom contributed to the rich tapestry of his upbringing. He inherited a wealth of knowledge from generations past, embracing the old way of life that he cherished and passed down to his own family from how to can green beans and make a pecan pie to the right way to hold a baseball for the tightest curve. As a farmer, Roy's legacy in his pristine gardens earned him the title of the "Tomato Man of Huntersville." Now that honor system table at the end of his driveway with scales and tomatoes will be empty to his many loyal customers that for years and years would stop by on Old Statesville Highway for the best produce anywhere to be found.
Throughout his life, Roy remained humble, finding contentment in life's simple pleasures such as taking a bologna sandwich and peanut butter crackers wrapped in wax paper in a brown paper bag to take to work with him every day, simple in his ways but extremely smart in his school of life. His dedication to his work at Wikoff Color Corporation was a testament to his strong work ethic and the supportive environment fostered by the company.
Standing tall at 6’6”, Roy was a larger-than-life figure that commanded presence with his persona and strong handshakes, scared to hurt the new baby’s entering the family, preferring to hold them while they lay on a pillow in his arms. All the way until the end, he remained independent, cooking, cleaning and living on his own, something he was proud of and quite an accomplishment for 95!
Growing up he loved hunting and fishing and pursued his passion for baseball all the way to the semi pro level, he approached each activity with enthusiasm and skill. In his youth, he enjoyed adventurous pastimes like cooter hooking; squirrel and rabbit hunting; and frog gigging, creating cherished memories with family and friends. Despite facing challenges, such as overcoming polio at a young age that left him with his unique gait, Roy's indomitable spirit shone brightly. Roy's interests extended beyond the fields and the baseball diamond; he was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Dale Earnhardt, and secretly, the UNC Tar Heels. His only known vice was playing “set back” with the locals at Fleenor’s Gas and Grocery on occasion.
Above all, Roy's devotion to his family was unwavering. He cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength. He was a monarch and role model that always wanted the best for his family and loved to boast about their successes to those who would lend him an ear. He was a provider for his family and gave so much to so many of them from a place to stay if needed to jars of canned veggies; it warmed his soul to help where he could. He was firm in his faith and the love he had for the Lord was apparent by his everyday actions. He so adored his long-time church family at Williamson’s Chapel as well.
Roy and Eva Caldwell nurtured and cultivated a sense of how to be self-sustaining, faith, family, and a strong value system in their family that will live on through future generations and stories handed down about Mamaw and Papaw. That is their legacy and one the family is extremely grateful for. Fond memories of a yard full of family members under the shade tree at harvest time to preserve the bounty and freezers full of homemade ice cream will be among those most cherished.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin Quitman and Mittie Jane Bumgardner Caldwell; his wife of over 50 years, Eva Wright Caldwell; and ten siblings, Ray Caldwell, Louise Barkley, Jennie Barkley, Frances Perry, Clifton Caldwell, Margaret Ward, Merle Barnette, Helen Gilbert, Jane McAllister along with their spouses, and Tommy Caldwell.
Roy is survived by his two daughters, Pat Caldwell Lowrance and Anita Caldwell (Marty) McDaniel; four grandchildren, Jerray Barnette Efird, Seth Caldwell (Amy) Lowrance, Amanda Barnette (Daniel) Brown and Evan Brice Lowrance; six great grandchildren, Eli Lowrance, Chase Lowrance, Elaina Efird, Fischer Brown, Emma Jeanne (as Papaw called her) Lowrance, and Littie Brown; sisters in law, Phyllis Caldwell, Mary Alice Putt, Joyce Wright and Peggy Wright; brothers in law, JD Wright, Micheal (Shirley) Wright, and Earl Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Roy's life will be held at Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 14. Visitation will begin at 2pm, followed by a funeral service at 3:30pm, with the graveside service immediately afterward.
In honoring Roy's memory, let us remember his kindness, his unwavering faith, and the love he shared with all who were fortunate enough to know him. We feel that Papaw/Daddy would want to extend the right hand of Christian Fellowship through memorial donations to the Williamson’s Chapel Pastor Discretionary fund (https://willchapumc.org/give/where-to-give.html).
Address: 575 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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