Calvin M. Pinkard

Calvin was born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 22, 1927, to his parents Wilola and Calvin M. Pinkard. He served in the Navy during WWII as a Pharmacist’s Mate.

Calvin was a lifelong learner, and he earned four degrees in higher education. First was a Bachelor of Arts from Birmingham Southern, next came a Bachelor of Divinity from Emory University, followed by a master's and Ph. D in Psychology from the University of Florida.

It was at the University of Florida that he met his wife Carolyn Aronson. The pair were married for 60 years until Carolyn’s passing. Calvin worked at the University of South Florida as a psychology professor, and with Carolyn’s help founded the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program in 1971. The program is still going strong to this day. Upon retirement from the University of South Florida, Calvin was named Chair Emeritus. Calvin also worked as a psychologist for the state of Florida, and continued working and seeing patients until he was 90 years old.

In his free time, Calvin could be found on the golf course, or spending time with one of the many dogs he cherished throughout his life. He loved his house on Lake Keystone, and spending time watching the birds or playing games on the porch with his grandchildren. Calvin had a deep appreciation for the people, animals, and objects around him. He was known for dishing out elaborate, sincere compliments to whoever crossed his path. Calvin’s warmth and wit made him easy to love, and his time as a father, husband, grandfather, and friend will not be forgotten.

Calvin is survived by his son Mark Pinkard (Tamara), his son Eric Pinkard (Jennifer), his grandson Benjamin Pinkard, his granddaughter Clarice Pinkard, his niece Jeannie Brown (Dan) and his nephew Calvin Williamson (Carrie). Calvin is preceded in death by his sister Katrina Emerson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Calvin M. Pinkard scholarship fund at the University of South Florida.