Calvin Pickler Crouch

Calvin Pickler Crouch of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on January 26, 2021 at the age of 97. He was born near Aberdeen in Hoke County, North Carolina on November 10, 1923. He is survived by his three children, Nan Teresa Neal, Mark Calvin Crouch, and Robin Suzanne Ayliffe. He was proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Robert Edward Neal, Jr., Bradley Calvin Neal, Sarah Brooke Chapman, Matthew Colin Crouch, Aaron James Crouch, Jonathan Walker Crouch, Jennifer Kiley Ayliffe, Logan McDonald Ayliffe, and Susannah Lindsey Ayliffe. Calvin also had twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Bill L. Crouch, of Longview, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calvin was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Winifred Sue Crouch; his father, Arlie Calvin Crouch; his mother, Inez Pickler Crouch; his siblings, Lama Bell Poston, Margaret Katherine Burroughs, Walter Lee Crouch, Roy L. Crouch and Arlie Calvin Crouch, Jr.

After relocating from North Carolina to Louisiana, Calvin graduated high school and promptly joined the Navy in 1940. After graduating boot camp in San Diego, he was transferred to San Francisco to attend Naval aircraft training. Not long thereafter, Pearl Harbor was attacked, bring the US into World War II. Calvin’s war time duty stations included service aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the USS Yorktown, the USS Lexington, and the USS Saratoga. He was in two major battles; Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway and served in Torpedo Squadron 3. Calvin was also in the Korean conflict where he served on his “favorite ship” a seaplane tender call the USS Pine Island. During his 21 year Naval career, Calvin advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the Navy he continued in Civil Service for 16 years at the Navy Air Rebuilding Facility – NAS Jacksonville where he advanced to the occupation of Master Aircraft Mechanic. Calvin was an active member of Good Shepard Methodist Church for many years. He love the outdoors, and cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, be it camping, fishing, playing music or taking road trips.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at www.dav.org.

Calvin will be laid to rest alongside his wife Sue on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Park, Pastor Marty Davey will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior at 2:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.