Calvin Gene Hendrix

LCDR (Ret.) Calvin Gene Hendrix, a proud veteran of the United States Navy and Airforce Civil Service, entered God’s kingdom on December 29, 2023, at the age of 60. He was born Tuesday May 28, 1963, in Chiseldon, England to the late Billy Hendrix, USAF (Ret.) Vietnam veteran and Wendy Hendrix-Kret. Calvin grew up in a military family, moving from place to place, eventually settling in Panama City, FL where he attended Rutherford High School.

At the age of 18, Calvin followed his father’s footsteps to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman (E-1). He valued his military service highly, serving aboard five submarines and three surface ships where he earned both Surface and Submarine Warfare breast insignia. As a Submarine Repair Officer, he attained the rank of LCDR (O-4) and was spot promoted to CMDR (O-5) before retiring in 2012. Calvin was selected for and completed the Navy Nuclear Power Training Pipeline, in addition to graduating with a 4.0 GPA (top 5% of his class) earning a B.S. from Thomas Edison University with a major in Engineering. Calvin’s most accomplished achievements in the Navy included serving humanitarian efforts in Africa and East Timor, in which he liaised with volunteer organizations, both international and local governments, while coordinating security for over 2,000 people in eight different countries. In addition, after serving a 2-year tour in Sardinia Italy, Calvin oversaw the closing of the 3,000-person NATO Naval base in La Maddalena, Italy, which included managing the 2nd largest underwater salvage and restoration project in history. Several years later, Calvin served as the Nuclear Repair Director at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA for seven nuclear power plants aboard fleet missile submarines successfully completing 100% of assigned repairs throughout 98 submarine refit periods. Calvin led his team to complete 400+ nuclear repairs with the lowest rework rate in Navy history (0.3%). To say Calvin was meticulous and sought challenges is an understatement. After retiring from the Navy, Calvin moved with his wife and two children to California, where he transitioned into Civil Service within the Airforce at Beale AFB. As the Deputy Base Civil Engineer, Calvin supported the 9th Reconnaissance Wing’s U-2 and Global Hawk reconnaissance aircraft missions. He advocated for much needed funding for the base, which ultimately obtained over one billion dollars, and aided in bringing three new missions to Beale AFB.

Calvin’s track record of superior service includes the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force Sailor of the Year, Recruiting Force Recruiter and Manager of the Year, Pacific Fleet Junior Officer of the Year, and the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and Team Beale AFB Senior Civilian of the Year. In addition, Calvin earned the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (9 awards), the DOD Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award Medal (presented only to 11 other employees in the organizations 25-year history), the Air Force Civilian Achievement Award Medal and the Air Force Civilian Meritorious Service Award Medal.

Calvin loved to travel and explore. He was an extrovert who sought out conversation and relationships at every opportunity. In 1999, Calvin met his lovely wife Jannet while stationed at Bangor Naval Submarine Base in Washington State. They were married in 2001 at Two Lover’s Point while Calvin was stationed in Guam on the USS Frank Cable. They married again one year later with friends and family in Fallbrook, CA. Their first son, James, was born four years later at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Gricignano di Aversa (Naples) Italy. Shortly thereafter, their second son, Ryan, was born at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.

Calvin, the most loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather is survived by his wife, Jannet; sons, Christopher (Abigail), James and Ryan; daughter, Seraphina; grandchildren, Brooke, Alexis, Carrick, Garrin, Destiny and Calvin, Jr.; brothers, Glenn, Randy (Shaun) and Tim (Nicole); sisters, Debbie (Charlie) and Jackie (Hussain). He was preceded in death by his father, Billy (USAF); stepfather, Bob (USAF); mother, Wendy; son, Shannon; and sister-in-law, Lisa. His nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends and colleagues will also feel his absence.

A service to honor Calvin’s life will be held on January 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Beale AFB in California.

Calvin will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery with his father and mother in Pensacola, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Fisher House in Calvin’s honor. Calvin Hendrix Memorial - The Fisher House - Helping Military Families https://connect.fisherhouse.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=3273

His warmth, wisdom, and the joy he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His passing has prematurely taken a great American, but his legacy lives on. Your Watch is Done, rest well on eternal patrol Calvin.