Ernest D Caldwell Sr.

He was born at home on April 9, 1929 in Hickory, NC, the son of the late Newton Ernest Caldwell and Mary Edith Caldwell. He graduated from Claremont Central High School and then went on to serve 42 years in the Air Force.

Ernest was a Charter Member of the Lions Club of Paw Creek, including serving as President for a time. He also served in a leadership role for the Coulwood Community Association and greatly enjoyed working with members to put together the Fourth of July celebration that was for the community.

One of the joys of Ernest's life was collecting eyeglasses and facilitating vision services to help others to be able to see, in particular, children. The Lion's Club sent children to Camp Dogwood for the Blind and this really touched his heart. Unfortunately, he lost his eyesight, becoming blind, later in life due to Macular Degeneration.

Ernest retired from the Air Force after 42 years of devoted service. He frequently spoke about what a great group of people he was fortunate to work with. He always said if he had it to do over again, he wouldn't change a thing. The Thursday lunch event, when they picked up BBQ King and set up tables in the hanger, was something he enjoyed. Breakfasts with retirees George Hodge and Charlie Mauney at Knife & Fork Restaurant were something he really looked forward to.

His family was very important to him and he loved being a grandfather to all his grandchildren. A favorite saying was "When you retire, don't retire FROM something, retire TO something." One of his greatest joys was taking care of his oldest grandchild Gina. She called him PamPaw. He often said that the time they had together was some of the best time in his life. They had a lot of fun building "houses" out of old refrigerator boxes. Their activities kept him very busy after retirement. He was immensely proud when his grandson Austin Bowman commissioned from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 2020 and service selected for Navy Pilot. He is currently in Corpus Christi for flight training. Ernest was also very proud of his grand-daughter Charlotte Allman for her graduation this year from Meredith College.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Miriam Caldwell. He is survived by his 3 children; Ernest Caldwell Jr. of TN, Lisa Bowman and her husband Tom of Fort Mill, SC and Robin Allanach and her husband John of Garner, NC; and 5 beloved grandchildren: Gina Bowman Wynn and her husband Joel of Celina, TX, Daniel Bowman of Fort Mill, SC, Austin Bowman of Corpus Christi, TX, Will Allman of Stonington, CT and Charlotte Allman of Garner, NC. He is also the proud great grandfather to Harris Dean Wynn and Audrey Brooks Wynn of TX and William (Liam) Wallace Allman of CT. He is survived by his brother Marion Caldwell and wife Lynn of San Antonio, TX; sisters Doris C. Hipp and Karen Kahill and her husband Wayne, both of Hickory, NC.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to his amazing Primary Care Physician, Dr. Robert Bowen, III of Tryon Medical Partners for the excellent care that he and his staff provided Dad for many years. Dr. Bowen has been there with us through the good and the bad and we truly appreciate his help. We also want to thank Dr. Kenneth Owen, also with Tryon Medical Partners and Dr. Kathryn Mileham at Atrium Health for their excellent care. A special thank you also to the Charlotte VA Healthcare Center. Dad received such good help from his PCP, Dr. Amarasinghe, Dr. Heim in Audiology Services, Dana Draa in the Low Vision Department and Shauna Simpson in the OT Department. The VA was able to get Dad a special Air Force wheelchair from Ki Mobility that Dad spent most of his day in, hearing aids for his hearing loss, and a hospital bed as his condition deteriorated. It helped Dad, his family and his caregivers immensely.

Ernest's wishes to stay at home as his health deteriorated would not have been possible without the tremendous loving support of his long time caregiver Annie Peebles from Brightstar Care. Annie, better known as his "partner in crime" provided years of unwavering excellent care and support, laughter, long talks on the front porch and some feisty times. Her commitment, work ethic and genuine love for our Dad was truly remarkable and we are forever grateful. A special thank you to his weekend caregiver Leah Smith, also of Brightstar Care.

Dad loved history and genealogy. Leah looked up articles on her phone and read them to Dad. She even cooked him Eggs Benedict for his last Father's Day meal. We also appreciate Shari Walls, with Brightstar Care. Shari is a lovely lady with a very soothing voice and manner and was very helpful to Dad and the family on the weekends as well. She truly was a pleasure to have helping in the home.

The family also is thankful for Dad's longtime neighbors Bill and Durema Koger for all their help over the years.

Service to be announced at a later date. His remains will be interred in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington, NC where his late wife is buried. Military honors will be at the service in Burlington.

The family requests that gifts in his memory be sent to:

Lions Club - https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate or to

Metrolina Association for the Blind - https://www.mabnc.org/donate

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.