John Wilson Caldwell Jr.

John W. Caldwell, Jr., 89, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 13, 2014. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years and best friend, Sara Smith Caldwell. He was predeceased by his parents John Wilson and Estelle Hinshaw Caldwell and his brother, William Edmund Caldwell. He is also survived by his sons, John Wilson Caldwell, III (Lynn) of Hickory and Kevin Smith Caldwell (Susan Francis) of Charlotte; and his granddaughters Lauren Williams Caldwell of Charlotte, Meghan Smith Caldwell of Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand and Grayson Bennett Caldwell of La Lima, Santiago Rodriguez, Dominican Republic. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sara Watts Caldwell of Newton and several nieces and nephews.

He was born on October 31, 1924 in Newton, North Carolina and graduated from Newton – Conover High School in 1942. He began his college education at Lenoir-Rhyne College but his studies were interrupted by World War II when he joined the Army and proudly served his country from 1943-1946. John served in the United States Army in the Ranger Battalion from January of 1943 until February of 1946 and achieved the rank of Private First Class. He was with the 30th, 2nd, 45th, 3rd, and 103rd Divisions and served in Europe for 16 months, returning to the US in 1944 before returning to Scotland for more training and eventual crossing of the English Channel on D-Day. He landed at Omaha Beach and proceeded through France, Germany, Holland, Austria and Italy. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Sharp Shooter Award and Service Stars. His patriotism continued throughout his life. He was a member of the American Legion and participated in the Honor Air Flight of WWII Veterans to the World War II monument in Washington DC in 2011, and attending the Old Soldiers Reunion for many decades. After the war, John returned to Lenoir-Rhyne College and graduated in 1948 with a BS in Biology.

He was most proud of his family and will be fondly remembered as a loving and kind husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He and Sara exemplified true love and approached life with a sense of adventure, humor and their love for each other. He was a wonderful father to Wilson and Kevin, providing a strong foundation for them as an example of integrity, kindness and love. John enjoyed time with his granddaughters, especially taking them on adventures throughout our state and at Lake Norman when they were young. John enjoyed hearing about and sharing in his granddaughters lives and their own adventures. They will miss him dearly.

He was employed by Carolina Mills in Maiden for over 40 years and retired as the Director of Personnel. He was proud of his company, in particular its participation in the “Made in America” campaign. He was a member and past president of the American Society of Insurance Management and member of the National Association of Manufacturers.

He was deeply committed to his community and Newton, volunteering his time with many organizations. He co-chaired the Eastern Catawba County United Fund in 1976, supported and enjoyed the YMCA since the 1960s when it was located at the old Conover School, served as past president of the International Management Council of the YMCA, was a member of the Catawba County Historical Association and volunteered with the American Red Cross. He was a Civitan, Mason and Shriner. John was an also an avid supporter of the local arts, enjoying concerts and theatre at the Green Room in Newton and serving as a member of the Choral Society and Concert Association. He also believed in our youth, serving on the Newton-Conover Board of Education, Board of Directors of the Catawba Science Center and volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America.

He always wanted to learn more and share with others, and his hobbies connected him to many throughout the community. John enjoyed playing bridge with friends and spending time at Lake Norman where he would entertain family and friends, work in his garden or take boat rides on the lake. John was a Master Gardener and volunteered in the community sharing his love of gardening. He also loved to travel, whether it was vacationing with his family or traveling abroad.

He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church where he was baptized and was a member of the Parker Sunday School Class for over 60 years. He also held various positions within the church, serving on the Administrative Board and the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. His most important role was as a servant of God.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Newton on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 3:00p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Davis S. Greene, the Rev. Lara W. Greene and the Rev. Paul D. Lowder officiating. The family will receive friends in the Gomedela Room prior to the service from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. A private committal will be held at Eastview Cemetery in Newton.

The Parker Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 926, Newton, NC 28658.