Mr. Calvin “Top” Spann, 71, Lamar, SC entered enteral rest on Sunday, June 17, 2018. He was born Thursday, June 5, 1947 in Lee County, SC to the late Robert Spann and Hester Moses Spann. In 1970 he was married to the former Helen Boston and to this union 4 children were born.
Calvin attended Lee CountyPublic Schools until his family relocated to Darlington County in 1962, at which time he began attending Spaulding High. School was not Calvin’s favorite place, as he would deliberately miss the bus and would go home claiming that, “the bus left me! ” Ironically, he later became a bus driver to other children while he was a high school student.
He was also know to leave his books thrown on the ground along the long driveway to their home; however, he seemed to find his niche on the football field. He played the position of lineman for the Spaulding Tigers where he earned the nickname “Captain Crunch” for the fierceness with which he tackled & punished his opponents. After high school, he was simply known as “Crunch” when he continued playing football for the Lamar City League.
Calvin graduated from Spaulding High in 1967, being the first member of his family to attain a High School Diploma. Upon high school graduation, he worked for the Cotton Mill in Hartsville, SC for 3 years. After getting married, he resigned that position and began working for Sonoco Product Company in the Woodyard, spending much of his time as a Machine Operator.
He received several promotions and recognitions, his most memorable being in 1985 when a suggestion he proposed to the company to increase productivity earned him $1250. 00. Calvin retired as a Line Supervisor with Sonoco after 30+ years of dedicated services.
Calvin was a lifelong member of Jerusalem Stuckey Baptist Church, where he was baptized at an early age. He was very active in his church, serving as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Trustee for more than 20 years. On October 4, 1998, God showed his favor upon Calvin when he was ordained as a Deacon.
One of his joys as a Deacon was visiting the sick & shut in and serving them communion. Calvin was a faithful churchman & avid bible scholar who would read through the Bible at least once a year. He was recognized as man of at Jerusalem in June, 1998.
He was always present at Sunday services, Bible Study & Revivals until his health failed. Calvin was very active in and dedicated to the numerous Civic organizations to which he belonged. He was Past Master of David Temple Lodge #45, Past Worthy Patron, Faithful Workers Chapter 229, Order of Eastern Star, Past High Point, E.B. Boroughs Chapter 49, Holy Royal Arch, Sir Knight, Chick McCullough Council #45, Knights of Pythagoras, Past Potentate, Crescent Temple #148, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shrine, Special Deputy Emeritus-District #7, Past Commander in Chief, Ashland Consistory #246, and Grand Inspector General (G.G.) 33 Degree-United Supreme Council.
Within these organizations Calvin loved mentoring young African-American boys, delivering turkeys & holiday meal boxes to those in need, and fundraising for various causes. Calvin’s Distinguished Civic Career is one to be revered and emulated. His Legendary Leadership leaves a Legacy that’s second to none!
Calvin was also active in his community. In the 70’s & 80’s, he served as Cub Scout leader and mentor to the young boys in the community. He also mentored his sons in football and could be heard coaching from the sidelines at each of their football games, regardless of the location.
His love of music & entrepreneurial spirit led him to open C&D Sound, Lamar’s first record store, with his best friend David Bradford. This was a popular hang out for those who loved music or needed the latest cut. Calvin has always been socially & politically conscious, often encouraging young black men & women to vote.
He worked the polls every election cycle until his health failed. Calvin married the former Ruth Nettles in 2004. Her adult children, Marie Oliver, Lawanda Davis, Eric McCormick & Antonio McCormick, affectionately call him “Mr. C”.
Her 10 grandchildren also grew to know & love him, especially Patrick. In addition to his loving parents, Calvin was predeceased in death by his brother Moses Spann, his sisters Mrs. Delia Spann Daniels and Mrs. Ann Spann Maple. Calvin’s life will forever be cherished in the lives of those he loved: Wife: Ruth Spann; Daughter: Rev.
Dr. Amy Michelle Spann Ciceron (Jean-Franck) of Jacksonville, NC; Sons: Clayton Lamart Spann (Wygelia) of Sumter, SC, John Edward Spann (Tammy) of Murphy, Texas, & Jerette Ellis Spann (Kanika) of Upper Marlboro, MD; two sisters; Dora Spann of Bronx, NY and Hester L. Spann McKay, Lamar, SC; two brothers: Robert Spann, PA, John Spann (Virginia), Hartsville, SC; one sister-in-law; two brothers-in-law; five Grandchildren; Gabrielle Marie Ciceron, Morgan Nichole Spann, Nicholas Antoine Ciceron, Jerette Peyton Spann & Shawn James Spann; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.
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