Robert Calvin Bready

Thank God that there are solid folk

Who water flowers and roll the lawn,

And sit and sew and talk and smoke,…

Who pass untroubled nights and days…

On goes this lovely poem of 14 verses that captures so well the lives of our country’s backbone.

Robert Calvin Bready was one of these solid people. He was born Dec. 11, 1927 in Olney, MD as the third of four sons to Margaret and Charles F. Bready, of which he was the last survivor.

From a very early age, his favorite activity was baseball, at which he excelled. While playing sandlot baseball, he was spotted by a scout for the Philly A’s minor leagues and contracted. Living his dream of playing professional ball for two years, his dream was, sadly, cut short by the Korean War. He received his draft notice at the end of 1949.

Marriage to his lifetime companion, Janet Lorraine Bready, came in September of 1950 and they were able to enjoy some time together at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. Three months after their firstborn daughter was born, he was sent off to his duties in Korea. In Korea, he not only performed military duties, but also was flown around Korea to entertain the troops playing baseball.

Cal lost the love of his life, Janet Lorraine, in 2014. Grandad, as he was affectionately known, loved teasing and playing with his seven grandchildren, who loved him dearly as did his twelve great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Emily (Dan) Dykstra, Noël (Shane) Tenny, Bret (Annemarie) McDermitt, Becky (Jon) Buice, Drew Calvin McDermitt, Vincent Mullaney, and Julie Mullaney. He is survived by two daughters and a handicapped son; Linda Lorraine McDermitt, Don Calvin Bready, and Margaret Ann Mullaney.

We all miss his contagious smile, personality and generous hugs. We’re glad he has gone to be with his beloved Lord Jesus Christ where he is fully whole and healed. And, undoubtedly, playing sports again.

In lieu of flowers, we’d love to honor Cal’s deep love for the game of baseball by donating to this local baseball ministry: https://metroreds.leagueapps.com. This ministry believes in the transforming power of learning baseball for underserved and underprivileged children in the Charlotte area. We think Cal would give a big whooping “Play ball!” to that!