Calvin Columbus Cassell, Sr.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. God called his servant home on December 14, 2016 and at the age of 91 Calvin Columbus Cassell, Sr. was once again united with his loving wife, Marie and adoring family.

Calvin, one of eleven children, was born in Patrick County, VA to the late Louis T. and Laura Belle Hancock Cassell. Like most children of his generation he was taught the value of hard work and the reward of living a life pleasing to God. He was a US Navy WWII veteran who served from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed aboard the USS YMS 388, a mine sweeper, in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre and was also stationed in VA. His service is honored by a brick placed at the military memorial at Triad Park. At the ballpark in 1946 a young girl, Elsie Marie Slayton, caught his eye and he obviously caught hers. His charm and wit won her over and they were married in October of that year. They lovingly raised their five children in a Godly home and loved to visit the mountains or beach for yearly get-a-ways. His beautiful sweetheart of fifty four years passed away in 1999.

Calvin loved to be outside with the sunshine on his face working in his garden or cutting the grass. He was a talented wood worker and cook. Calvin believed in giving to others and was extremely generous. He adored his family (especially the grandkids!) and was happiest when they were all together. He started every family get together with a beautiful prayer and was always concerned about the well-being of his family and their relationship with the Lord. He was instrumental in building Pentecostal Holiness Church and was a member for more than thirty years of Lebanon Baptist Church. He worked at Cone Mills White Oak Plant from 1947 to 1990.

He is survived by his children, Douglas Cassell of Greensboro, Charlotte Robertson of Columbus, GA, Bonnie (David) Kellam of Julian and Calvin Jr. of Greensboro; grandchildren, Tammy, Derek (Laura), Charlene (Eddie), Kevin, Karen (Jamey), and Heidi (Dan); eight great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sister, Ellen Simms; numerous nieces, nephews; and extended family. In addition to his parents and wife he is preceded in death by two children, Peggy and Michael Cassell; and nine siblings.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 PM Sunday, December 18, followed by a service at 2:30 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.

Floral tributes are welcome or contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 24705. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hospice for the excellent care given to Mr. Cassell during his illness.