Calvin Smith

Calvin Morris Smith, 79, transitioned from this earthly realm to eternity on Sunday, May 18, 2025, after a courageous fight against colon cancer. He was the youngest of thirteen children born to the late Charlie Smith and Ollie Gertrude Cameron Smith in Erwin, North Carolina on May 27, 1945.

Calvin was raised with his siblings in Harnett County, North Carolina where they were extremely productive farmers. The family attended Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church and later Lillington Star Freewill Baptist Church where Calvin and all his siblings were all very involved. He attended the public schools of Harnett County and graduated from Shawtown High School in Lillington, North Carolina in 1963. Calvin was a good student and a star member of the basketball team. He would go on to attend Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

After a short time in college, he was drafted into the U. S. Army in late 1963 and served for two years. His tenure in the Army included an assignment in Vietnam where he had the privilege to serve as a special assistant to several Generals. He returned home and in June 1965 he moved to Indianapolis to join his brother William and nephew Charles Bell as he sought gainful employment.

Arriving in Indianapolis 60 years ago, he met the love of his life, Doris Penner. They were married in 1972 and to this union a beautiful daughter, Carla, was born. He worked for Chrysler Corporation for 30 years. Following Calvin’s retirement, he went to work in the retail industry, eventually landing his perfect job at J. J. Fashions for eight years and then at his current place of employment, Remo Men’s Wear. At both sites, Calvin used his keen eye for style and fashion to help dress many in the Indianapolis area. His clientele grew exponentially, and he became the “go to” man for many special occasions as well as everyday wear.

As Calvin developed health challenges that disrupted his love for life and style, he came to rely upon gathering with his friends at the YMCA and staying in touch with family and friends via Facebook, texting and phone calls. He never missed an opportunity to share his wisdom and opinion. Family and friends could always count on him if they needed anything.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: brothers: Nelson, Hector, Henry, Paul, William and John Frank Smith; and his sisters Catherine Byrd, Charlotte Bell, Grisetta, Gertrude and Leanna Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Doris, daughters, Carla Smith (Tony) and Nicki Ballance (Mark); his grandchildren: Joseph Jarrett, Sydney Jarrett and Acari Smith; special nephews Charles Bell and James Edward Byrd, along with a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and many friends.

A visitation for Calvin will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM.