Husband, father, and Pastor, Rev. Joe Calhoun left this earth on January 6, 2020 to rest in the arms of his savior Jesus Christ. He was born and raised in Hilliard, FL on June 3, 1922. After working on the railroad as a teenager, he proudly served his country in the Army during World War II. After being honorably discharged from the military, he returned to work on the railroad until 1956 when he acknowledged his call to ministry. He was ordained in 1960 and served his first pastorate at St. John Baptist Church of Orange Park, later serving as Pastor simultaneously to Hisbon Baptist Church of Hilliard and Harper Chapel of Yulee. In 1980, he married the love of his life Vivian Calhoun, who preceeded him in death. In 1984 Reverend Joe Calhoun was called to serve as pastor of New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. In May of 1998, after buying all the land surrounding the church, his vision of building a new church to accommodate his growing congregation came to pass. After 21 years of service as a pastor at New Bethlehem and 45 years total pastoring, he retired. He ordained 4 preachers and 15 deacons. He has served as 1st Vice Moderator of the Emmanuel Progressive Baptist Association and was an active member of the Baptist Ministers Alliance. Reverend Joe Calhoun has been honored and recognized for his ministerial service by former mayor John Peyton, former governor Jeb Bush, members of the Florida House of Representatives, and members of City Council.
He was preceeded in death by his wife Vivian Calhoun, and son Ronald Calhoun. He leaves to cherish his life, four daughters and one son: Belinda Williams (Henry), Angelia Chavis (William), Alonda Billings (Darryl), Ramona Davis (Ezekiel), and Joe Calhoun Jr; ten grandchildren: Henry Williams III, Gabrielle Lyons(Geo), Devin Williams, Camielle Burks (Judge), Danielle Chavis, Janae Billings, Darryl Billings Jr, Nekeisha Davis (Charles), Anthony Patrick, Brandy Brown; and Eight great-grandchildren: Makayla Chavis, Gabriel Chavis, Jayce Williams, Makenna Lyons, Makiah Chavis, Arya Williams, Marlee Burks, Jori Lyons, Lavalkus Jordan, Anthony Patrick, Antonia Patrick, and Antina Patrick. He will be missed and always loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
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