Obituary for Richard Carlton Calhoun

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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Date: Sep 03 2024 6:03 PM

Obituary for Richard Carlton Calhoun

May 20, 1952 — July 17, 2024

Richard Carlton Calhoun, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 17, 2024, in Chesapeake, VA. Born on May 20, 1952, in Dothan, AL, Richard lived a life filled with love, devotion, and hard work.

Richard was the cherished son of the late Preston Calhoun, Sr., and Carolyn Wilkins Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his  parents and his brother, Preston (Sonny) Calhoun Jr.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Bonnie Bracewell Calhoun. Their love story began in the 10th grade.. They were married on March 17, 1972, at First Baptist Church in Dothan, AL. Together, they built a life full of warmth, joy, and mutual respect.

Richard was the proud father of two daughters, Annan Calhoun Hornbeck and her husband Kenneth, and Abby Calhoun Andersen and her partner Rick Hall. He was also a  grandfather (Poppy) to Nicolas Blamey, Grace Willman, and Eli Andersen, who brought immense happiness to his life.  

Richard’s academic journey saw him graduate from Dothan High School in 1971, followed by the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree from Troy State University in 1975.  Richard worked and retired from General Telephone Co  working  in Dothan, AL, and Durham, NC. After retiring, he joined Lucent Technology and Volt Technology in Durham, NC, and Virginia Beach, VA. Upon retiring a second time, Richard and Bonnie moved to Amelia Island, FL, where Richard found his “dream” job as a Duty Officer with the Jacksonville International Airport. He loved being around the planes and playing an integral role in airport operations.

Richard’s was a faithful Christian and a generous organ donor.  His corneas were harvested by the Lions Medical Eye Bank to give the gift of sight to someone in need.

Richard played golf, loved to travel, and had a passion for playing the drums. At the tender age of 12, he and four friends started a band called the K-Pers.  A highlight for the band was recording a record in Muscle Shoals, AL. Richard also played music with the 7th Soul Division and the Moonlighters, never losing his love for Ludwig drums and music.

Richard was known for his kind and loving nature as a husband, father, and grandfather. He had a keen interest in Civil War reenacting, a passion for reading all things related to World War II, and a lifelong love for VW Bugs.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Richard’s life, and he will be laid to rest in the family plot at City Cemetery, Dothan, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.

Richard’s  memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever.

Rest in peace, Richard Carlton Calhoun. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

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