Calvin Leon Bennett

He attended military school at Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, then returned to his childhood home of Richmond, where he met and married his wife of 70 years, Ruth Barker Bennett. A dedicated husband and father to three daughters, Calvin worked for Eastern Airlines for nearly thirty years before retiring.

Calvin was also a prolific writer, penning hundreds of inspirational essays, poems and sermons. His autobiography, “Lessons Learned,” was self-published with the help of his granddaughter Susie Thon. Throughout the decades, his newsletters - especially the ever-popular “Cal’s Pals” series - were treasured by family and friends for both their wisdom and their wit.

A member and leader of the Church of Christ for over 70 years, Calvin served congregations in Highland Park, Richmond, VA., Kirkwood in Atlanta (where the family lived briefly) - and in Charlotte, the Dilworth, Westside, Mountain Isle and Archdale congregations. Calvin was beloved by many, who treasured his wise counsel, his sterling character, his gentlemanly ways, and his love of a good, clean joke.

Calvin Bennett was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth and survived by their three daughters, Evelyn Thon of Atlanta, GA, Diane Hirshfield of Fort Mill, SC and Ellis Anderson Jaubert of Bay St. Louis, MS. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, August 31st, 2013 in the Paul Helton Chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte. Interment will follow the service in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Southeastern Children's Home 115 Childrens Way Duncan, SC 29334 ph. 864-439-0259.

On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.