On November 28, 2016, Barnwell Rhett Calhoun, Jr., 76, of Tifton joined his loved ones in heaven, having passed away peacefully at Cypress Pond Seasons. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016, in the Memorial Chapel of Tifton’s First Baptist Church with Dr. Wayne Roe officiating. Mr. Calhoun will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 30, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service in the Memorial Chapel of Tifton’s First Baptist Church.
Ashley Vickers, Cal Vickers, Sam Wright, Steve Woodham, Jim Deal, John Temple, Wayne Richards, Jack Perry, Don Pearson, Sandy Sims, Ronald Brownlee and Bryce “Bunky” Kennedy will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Raley Sunday School class at Tifton’s First Baptist Church.
Born December 23, 1939 in Tift County, Mr. Calhoun was the son of the late Barnwell Rhett Calhoun, Sr. and Lydia Penton Calhoun. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Ann Calhoun. He graduated from Tift County High School and later graduated from Auburn University, where he was a member of the R.O.T.C. and served in the Georgia Air National Guard. He worked for Ernst & Ernst and Travelers Insurance in Atlanta, where he met the love of his life, Rosemary Calhoun. Once married, they returned to Tifton to help run the family business with his father, then known as Standard Oil Company. He became an independent oil distributor and transformed his business into Calhoun Oil Company. During this time, he also used his talents on various projects, such as Brumby Crossing, the Locker Room, Baskin Robbins, Express Mart/Hawkeye BBQ, UFO Stations (unattended fuel outlets) and managed several rental properties for the family corporation.
Once retired, he focused his time on one project after another, using his construction and handyman skills. He was also known as “Papa” to his family and grandchildren, whom he loved very much. Papa lived a very active and abundant life, never meeting a stranger, using his sense of humor that was enjoyed by all.
Barnwell is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rosemary Temple Calhoun of Hartwell; one son, Dr. Rhett Calhoun of Albany; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cherie and Sam Wright and Christie and Ashley Vickers, all of Tifton; one sister, Betty Ann Salter of Hoschton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Louise and Steve Woodham of Tifton and Margaret and Jim Deal of Albany; six grandchildren, Brentley Yamnitz, Laura Kate Wright, Mallory Calhoun, Tillman Calhoun, Cal Vickers and Caroline Vickers; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Cypress Pond Seasons, especially Becky Jones, nurses and staff. They dedicated their compassion, patience and expertise to Papa, while battling Alzheimer’s, for which we are truly grateful. Also, we would like to thank the staff at Tift Regional Medical Center, GMS Unit and Hospice of Tift Area.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Tifton’s First Baptist Church Building Fund, 404 Love Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794; or Hospice of Tift Area, P. O. Box 747, Tifton, GA 31793.