October 8, 2021
Gaffney — Mr. Calvin “Cal” E. Dawkins, 71, of 601 Floyd Baker Boulevard, quietly departed his earthly life on Tuesday morning, September 28th at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. He is now living a life of no more worries, sickness, or pain.
Born to the late James “Jim” and Ola Allen Dawkins on May 28, 1950, he was the “baby of the bunch.” Cal was of the Baptist faith, and at an early age, he joined Ebenezer Baptist Church.
He was a 1968 graduate of Granard High School, where he excelled in several sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. During his senior year, at Granard, he was voted “Most Athletic.” After high school, Cal continued to exercise his athletic skills as a pitcher/outfielder on the Gaffney Astros Baseball team, and a bowler with one of the Gaffney Bowling Leagues. His most recent sporting adventure was golf. For many years, he was an avid golfer, and participated in golf tournaments throughout North and South Carolina.
He was a Navy Veteran and served his country at the Naval Base in Jacksonville, Florida.
Cal was employed by the Cherokee County School District as a faithful and dedicated custodian. He retired from the Robert Allen Group after 30 years of service. He was well-respected and loved by the faculty, staff, and students.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to Mrs. Janice Sims Dawkins. To this union, was born their daughter, Jamekia Jonette Dawkins (Denie) Davis, who later made him the proud grandfather to Daju Dawkins and Jarvis Jefferies, Jr., and goddaughter, Tora Montgomery.
In addition to his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, he was survived by five brothers, Henry (Mary), Leroy (Shirley), Roosevelt (Elizabeth), Robert (Earlene), and Ulysses (Brenda); three sister-in-laws, Denise Sims, Marie Sims, and Fatisha Sims; one brother-in-law, Terry (Veronica) Sims; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death was his sister, Thelma Watkins Dawkins, brother, James (Jamie) Dawkins; mother-in-law, Nellie Sims; and brother-in-law, Billy Sims.
Cal’s gentle and fun loving personality was unmatched; and will be cherished and remembered by his loved ones.
Graveside services for Mr. Dawkins will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 1:00 pm, at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, 241 Ebenezer Rd, Gaffney, SC 29340, with Pastor Freddie Davidson officiating.
Arrangements handled by Gordon Mortuary 211 E. Frederick St. Gaffney, SC 29340 864-489-2533.
The family will be at their respective homes.
The Gaffney location of Gordon Mortuary is serving the family.
Book of memories available at www.gordonmortuary.com
