Calvin Eugene Smith

Calvin Eugene Smith, 93, of Eden passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Brookdale in Reidsville.

A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. Burial will follow the service at Overlook Cemetery in Eden with Military Honors being given by the Rockingham County Veterans Honor Guard. The family and friends will gather at the Morehead-Fair House following the graveside. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 11am-12 Noon.

Calvin was born December 19, 1929 in Spray, NC to James Andrew Smith and Oma Ore Smith. He grew up on Flynn Street, playing in Tacky Branch and growing his love of sports at the Spray YMCA.

Growing up on Flynn Street was an adventure filled with fun and danger. The stories of bootleggers, growing gardens, raising hogs, and lifelong friendships were frequently told and fondly remembered.

Calvin worked 40 years for Fieldcrest Mills. He was proud of his service in the U.S. Army and N.C. National Guard. Calvin never met a stranger. His retirement years were spent growing gardens where he found joy in giving away the fruits of his labor. Later, he found his passion in visiting the residents in nursing homes, so much so that he had a schedule of a different nursing home for each day of the week.

Calvin’s faith and love for the Lord never faltered and was a testimony to his life. He would love to be remembered as a man who never forgot where he came from, but most importantly, a man who always knew his life was “in the Lord’s hands.”

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Susan Priddy (Wesley), Sylvia McCrory (Mac); grandchildren: Wesley Priddy, Jr. (Rebecca), Charlie Pyron (Emily), Matthew Pyron (Claire), Natalie Glendenning (Dave); great-granddaughters: Katherine Milligan, Maggie Milligan; special nieces and nephews: Karen Breeze, Nancy Woodard, Darlene Dunn, Terry Dunn, Joann Williams; friends: Irvin Earles, Tommy Curry, Lynn and Jack Caviness.

In addition to his parents, Calvin was predeceased by his loving wife, Edith Lancaster Smith; siblings: Ola Harris, Pearl Spain, Charlie Smith, Vera Dalton, Sally Bateman, Curtis Smith, Cora Chaney, Margaret Grant.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Brookdale, Reidsville, the staff at Hospice of Rockingham County, and the staff at Fair Funeral Home for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons, St. Jude, or Hospice of Rockingham County.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.