Donald Ryan Caldwell

SERVICES RE-SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025

Mr. Donald Ryan Caldwell, widower of Bobbie F. Caldwell, of Ahoskie, NC, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at his home.

Mr. Caldwell was born in Buffalo, SC, July 2, 1931, a son of the late David and Florence Caldwell. He was a graduate of Union High School where he loved to play football and baseball. After high school, he attended North Greenville College and Wofford College on a football and baseball scholarship. Upon graduation from college, he was drafted into the army where he served two years overseas in Austria. Once his tour of duty was complete, Mr. Caldwell returned home to marry the love of his life, Bobbie, with whom he was married for over 62 years and had two daughters. Mr. Caldwell spent many years working in the textile industry for Milliken and later transitioned into the chemical industry with Monsanto where he retired as their head purchasing agent.

Mr. Caldwell was the epitome of a true southern gentleman who lived by faith and love in the Lord and was devoted to his family and friends. He served as an active member of the United Methodist Church in each community he lived over the years. He was the Sunday School Superintendent for many decades, a member of the United Methodist Men, and a beloved member of the church choir.

Mr. Caldwell was a caring husband, father, papa, and great-papa. He had a wonderful life of adventure centered around his loving wife and family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his daughter, Donna Caldwell Rodriguez (David), and daughter Elizabeth Caldwell Nelson (William). Surviving grandchildren are Carol Rodriquez Hernandez (JC), Margaret Nelson, William Ryan Caldwell Nelson (Cheyenne), Christopher Nelson, Thomas Nelson, and Ava Grace Nelson. Surviving great-grandchildren are Alexi Moises Hernandez, Gabriel Michael Hernandez, Magnolia Ryan Caldwell Nelson, and William Rhodes Caldwell Nelson. He is also survived by his beloved sister Ruth Caldwell Lancaster, Mickey Fisher who was more a beloved brother than a cousin, one sister-in-law Grace Floyd, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Caldwell was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie F. Caldwell, father and mother, David and Florence Caldwell, his beloved brother Glenn Caldwell and sister-in-law Hazel Caldwell, brother-in-law Dale Floyd, and brother-in-law, Otzel Lancaster.

A celebration of life service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Buffalo Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Jeff Farmer and Rev. Mickey Fisher. Burial will follow at Union Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:45 to 2:45 Saturday prior to the service.

Active pallbearers will be William Ryan Nelson, Christopher Nelson, Thomas Nelson, David Crisp, JC Hernandez, and William Nelson. Honorary pallbearers are David Rodriguez, Gabby Hernandez and Alexi Hernandez.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to his caregivers while he was at home: Angela Powell, Teria Thompson, Casey Michael, and Linda Hall. The family would also like to thank Home Life Care and owner Donna Chamblee for their work to provide help to Mr. Caldwell, allowing him to remain home during the final years of his life.

Memorials may be made to Buffalo Methodist Church PO Box 176, Buffalo, SC 29321.