O. D. "Red" Calvert

May 13, 1932 — July 8, 2009

O. D. (Red) Calvert
May 13, 1932 -July 8, 2009

Red Calvert was born to Ottie and Viola Calvert of Flomot, TX. On May 13, 1932.
He attended and graduated from Flomot High School in 1949. Red was a true cowboy. He was raised in the wide open spaces of West Texas where some of the largest ranches are located. After high school, he farmed on the family's land and then went on to join the Army Paratroopers where he served for 4 years with the 11th Airborne Division.During his service he became Chief of Section "C" Battery of the 457th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion.An old newspaper clipping stated, "Sgt. Calvert was recently commended for his superior knowledge of military subjects, his efficiency, and his leadership qualities." After serving his country, he moved to Ft. Worth, TX and went to work for Convair, which was later General Dynamics. In his spare time, he was a cowboy. He was an excellent calf roper, team roper, and cutting horse rider. His best friend was Speedy Cockrell from Bandera Texas. They both got around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area spending a lot of time in the rodeo arenas, the bars, and the dance halls. Red was an excellent western dancer.
In 1960 he moved to Georgia where he was employed as the manager of the Wade Plantation, the 2nd largest plantation east of the Mississippi. He brought with him his red dun mare, Mitzi, and broke and trained many of the horses raised on the plantation. He judged horse shows and also participated as a contestant.
Around 1964 he went to work at Hamburg Industries and then to Columbia Nitrogen. In 1972, he was hired by Federal Paper as a welder. He continued his love for horses by judging and showing in horseshows. He was known in this area by many folks for his ability to break and train difficult horses. He retired from Federal Paper in 1996 and lived in McBean until his death.
Red Calvert was an upright, honest, hard working West Texas cowboy who gained the respect and friendship of everyone he knew. Upon meeting him, the handshake alone could bring the biggest man to tears. Whether he was a fellow cowboy or co-worker, a Dad or Grand-pa, a son or brother, a friend or lover, there was something to be learned just by his example.A quiet man of few words, but many stories, Red spoke from his heart and gave advice with honesty. A man of his word, He was always quick to help someone in need and touched the lives of more people than we'll probably ever know. On July 8, God shook the hand of a real cowboy and Heaven got a little bit tougher.

Red is survived by his children, Tamara Hodges (Troy) of Houston, TX, Eric Calvert of Smyrna, GA, Kelly Roe (Steve) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Alana Dickey (Mike) of Waynesboro, GA; his siblings, Doyle Calvert, Barbara Jo Bush, Mary Ann Browning, Ray Beryl Calvert, and George Calvert, all from Texas; long-time companion, Irene Carpenter; her daughter, Rosemarie Adkins, many grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and beloved friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at DeLoach Funeral Home in Hephzibah.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in the Chapel of DeLoach Funeral Home, Hephzibah, with Rev. Wayne Dixon officiating.Interment will be in Flomot, Texas.

The family suggests that memorials be made to a charity of one's choice.

DeLoach Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 2546 GA Hwy 88, Hephzibah, GA 30815 (706-592-5000) is serving the family of O.D. "Red" Calvert.

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O. D. "Red" Calvert

May 13, 1932 — July 8, 2009

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