Calvin V. Speed Sr.

Calvin Vincent Speed Sr., 70, passed away at his home in Stafford, VA on December 4, 2020. Calvin was born on February 17, 1950 in Fredericksburg, VA. He was the 9th of eleven children born to the late Melvin Reed Speed and Mary Virginia Nickens Speed.

Calvin grew up in Widewater, VA where he attended and was baptized at Oak Grove Baptist Church. Calvin received his early education in a segregated, one-room schoolhouse. In 1968, he graduated from Stafford Senior High School, where he was a talented, record-setting athlete in football and track. Calvin was awarded a football scholarship, and attended Salem University in Clarksburg, WV. When an injury ended his football career, he joined the United States Air Force. Calvin was a Military Police Officer from 1969 to 1973, which included a tour in South Africa and various parts of Europe. From 1973 to 1978, Calvin served as a Law Enforcement Supervisor in the North Dakota Air National Guard.

On December 23, 1972, Calvin married the late Patricia “Pat” Carlson in Fargo, North Dakota. The family lived in North Dakota and Colorado, but eventually settled in Virginia where he worked for the United States Postal Service. Calvin later returned to law enforcement, and retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections in 2012.

Calvin loved and supported his family unconditionally. He demonstrated undeniable patience, compassion and strength while caring for his wife, Pat, during her final years. Calvin was a man of few words, but continually expressed his love through acts of service. He was always there when you needed him, and willing to help with no questions asked. Among many other things, Calvin was the family Mr. Fix-It, traffic navigator (he knew all the back roads), weather predictor, safety officer (he’d unplug everything and lock all your doors), and dog-spoiler.

Calvin loved nature and spending time outdoors. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting and playing softball, but his true passion was fishing. The riverbank was his peace. At home, Calvin enjoyed watching sports, playing cards, experimenting with wine-making, listening to music, and keeping up with current events and the daily lottery numbers. Calvin was a simple, easy-going man with a no-nonsense attitude. He never complained, and always played the hand he was dealt.

Calvin was a devoted and doting father and grandfather. He was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his son, Calvin Speed Jr. (Bethany), his daughter Caydra Speed (Everette), and his stepdaughter Stacey Handy. Five grandsons: Brandon Speed, Shaquan Jackson (Lindsey), Devin Bowen, Calvin Speed III, and Christopher Speed. Two great-granddaughters: Myla Jackson and Arya Jackson. Three brothers: Marvin Speed, Gary “Weldon” Speed (Nancy), and Bernard Speed (Sheila). Two sisters: Sandra Willis (Murphy), and Linda Kay Speed. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.