(WATCH THE 16 MINUTE VIDEO AT BOTTOM)
Calvin Lewis Pettigrew departed this life having completed his earthly assignment headed for his heavenly home on April 26, 2023. Calvin began his earthly journey on September 21, 1954 in Little Rock, AR, born to Albert, Sr. and Lula Chester Pettigrew. He attended public schools in Little Rock graduating from McClellan High School in 1972. He was employed by Safeway for over 20 years before getting his CDL first driving cross country and then locally for a number of years. Eventually, his health began to fail, and he took local jobs before retiring.
Calvin accepted Christ and was baptized on May 10, 1981 under the leadership of Rev. Ivory Brooks at
Zion Wheel Baptist Church. Later, he joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under the leadership of Rev. Lavell Crawford, where he was a faithful member until his illness overwhelmed him.
Calvin married Carolyn Platt in 1974, and two daughters, Tomeka and Tonya, were born to this marriage.
On June 17, 2007 he married Rev. Edna Ruth Mack.
It wasn’t uncommon to find Calvin under a pecan tree in search of the perfect pecans for his pecan pies,
firing up the BBQ grill, or just hanging out with family. Calvin loved cooking. He didn’t care for fishing, but he looked forward to cleaning, cooking, and sharing the fish from his sister Joyce’s latest catch. He and Edna loved to go riding, watching all of the detective shows and sparing verbally with each other.
Calvin was also a talker and a teaser who had a love for music. His favorite song was: “My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord.” He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he loved telling others about their many antics.
He was preceded in death by both parents; his brother, Eugene Washington; his sisters, Margaret Brooks, Dorothy Mae Walker, and Lula Mae Gamble; and his stepdaughter, Redelia L. Mack-Craig.
Calvin is survived by his wife, Rev. Edna Mack-Pettigrew, and daughters, Tomeka (Shawn) Schoch and Tonya (Stanley) Hawkins; his stepson, Raymond D. Mack; his siblings, Doris Knight, James (Barbara) Pettigrew, Joyce (Jewel) Withers, Joe (Edner) Pettigrew, Albert (Sherry) Pettigrew, Jr., and Anthony (Jacquelyn) Pettigrew; his grandchildren, Dr. Anfernee Hawkins, Tyler Hawkins, Kristofer Y. Mack, Chelsea R. Mack, Steven C. Craig, Jada Schoch, and Isaiah Schoch; his great-grandchildren, Miyah, Kyndness, Zoey, Khalli, Zyla, Logan, Korbin, Kaytie, and Vivian; his spiritual daughters, Rev. Raquel Moore, Sis. Pamela Stanley, and Rev. Tameka Lamb Green; and a host of other relatives and friends. Calvin will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Walkthrough viewing will be from 3:30-5:00pm on Friday May 5th, at the funeral home's O.T. SMITH MEMORIAL Chapel. The family hour will be on Friday May 5th, from 6:30-7:30pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday May 6th, at 10:30am. Both will be at Bethel A.M.E. Church located at 815 West 16th Street in Little Rock.
KELLY SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES (8424 KANIS ROAD/501-612-5607) will be serving the Pettigrew families. For more information, sign online guest register, send flowers/cards/gifts/condolences/photos and light an "In Loving Memory Of" candle WWW.KELLYSMITHFUNERALS.COM
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