James Calvin Williams Jr.

J. Calvin Williams, Jr. died about 11:16 pm on Saturday, March 19^th. Although ill for almost five years, Cal went through a swift decline after Christmas. Cal was predeceased by his parents and his beloved daughter, Melissa. He leaves his wife, Debbie, of 48 years; son, Chris with his wife, Laura, and their new daughter Brooklyn; as well as three sisters Roberta Sowa, Susan Williams and Karen Nacke with her daughter Amanda Nacke. He also leaves behind a large extended family including three generations of “cousins”, and many friends.

Calvin was a self-starter who paid for his own education. He started as a paperboy in rural Virginia where many still had outhouses. He moved on to working in a grocery store and construction to pay for college. Cal graduated from a new George Mason College when it only had four buildings and enjoyed watching it grow. He was especially excited when George Mason was the Cinderella story of the 2006 NCAA tournament, beating University of Conn to reach the “Final Four” in 2006. Rugby was the only intercollegiate sport that GMC had while Cal attended classes. After being recruited, he joined the George Mason team where he loved a good rousing game of rugby.

Calvin enlisted in the Navy after graduating from college. He served five years active duty followed by eighteen years in the Reserves before retiring in 1994. The GI bill helped Cal get his law degree from New England School of law and a Masters in Accounting from Northeastern University. After stints at DuPont and the state of Delaware working in environmental law, Cal ran his own private practice for over thirty years. His focus was on real estate, wills and estates, and Cal loved meeting and chatting with his clients while assisting them.

Cal loved being with family. He taught both children how to ski at a young age and took them on many trips to the Poconos in Pennsylvania and yearly trips to Vermont. He was active with Chris’ baseball teams and as a leader in Scouts, where Chris went from Tiger in first grade through Eagle in high school. He especially loved the camping and other weekend activities.

After retirement in 2016, Cal took to the fairways and played golf almost every day. He was extremely proud to be the club champion AND to win the couples league in 2016. He played his last round in 2017.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Gift of Life Family House. This is in remembrance of our daughter, Melissa Lynn Williams, who was a Gift of Life donor in 2010. One can find donation information online at Gift of Life.

Cal will have a service on April 9^th at 12 pm followed by a reception at the Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church on McKennon’s Church Road.