Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Calvin Harkey Obituary
Calvin was born Feb. 4, 1928, son of the late James Arthur and Rosa Heafner Harkey.
Calvin graduated from Gastonia High School in 1948. While enrolled, he signed a pro baseball contract with the New York Giants Baseball Organization, with a batting average of .611.
Calvin played locally for the Gastonia Browns Baseball Club. In 1950, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served as a Corporal for two years in Germany during the Korean conflict.
Upon returning home from the Army, he met his wife of 56 years, Maxine Cagle, after which he began his longtime career with Good Will Publishers.
Calvin was a dedicated member at Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving many years as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Elder and Deacon. After the church merged with Southminster Presbyterian, he continued to actively serve in several of these roles.
After retirement, you could usually find him gardening, providing friends and family with his prized tomatoes, following his beloved Tar Heels, specifically Sylvia Hatchell's women's basketball team, and the Atlanta Braves.
His nickname was Saint Calvin, and no one else embodied humble service like him.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine Cagle Harkey; his daughter, Leigh Ann Dockery and son, Jeff Harkey and wife Shelly; his grandchildren, Shannon Dellinger and husband Bobby, Carson Dockery and Bridgett Harkey; and his great-grandchild, Gavin Dellinger.
Services will be held at 7 p.m. June 17, 2014, at Southminster Presbyterian, officiated by Pastor Dan Oedy.
The family will receive friends one hour prior.
Inurnment will be private.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of the Robin Johnson House for their love and compassion.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Southminster Presbyterian Church, 1401 Hoffman Road, Gastonia, NC 28054, or to Robin Johnson Hospice House c/o Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.
Condolences may be sent to www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Harkey family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Calvin Harkey
4 Entries
Kip Cloninger
June 15, 2014
Dear Jeff,Leigh Ann & family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May God comfort and bless each of you. Each of you are in our prayers.
Ray & Jackie Costner
June 15, 2014
Maxine & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. It was a privilege to have known Calvin. May all the wonderful memories shared help to sustain you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Kay
June 15, 2014
Maxine, Leigh Ann, Jeff and families, words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. Though I can't be there with you, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Love
Judy Livengood (Harney)
June 15, 2014
I have wonderful memories of Calvin and Maxine at Armstrong. I always thought they were very special and kind. So sorry we lost touch over the years.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Calvin Harkey's name
Memorial Events
for Calvin Harkey
Funeral services provided by:
McLean Funeral Directors - Gastonia700 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
How to support Calvin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Calvin Harkey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
