757.628.1000

Calvin Ronald Wilson


Sunrise: March 10, 1942

Sunset: November 6, 2020

On Friday, November 6, 2020, God called Calvin Ronald Wilson to rest. Born in Norfolk County, now Portsmouth, Virginia on March 10, 1942, Calvin was the sixth of ten children born to Joseph C. and Lucy R. Wilson. As a child Calvin attended both the Portsmouth and Chesapeake school systems. He graduated from I. C. Norcom High school in 1961. After high school Calvin joined the United States Air Force before returning home and graduating from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Calvin worked 27 years in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an Electrician and Supervisor,  where he earned numerous service awards for excellence in performance and special projects.

Calvin met the love of his life, Barbara Powell at the age of 17 with whom he shared 55 years of marriage and raised 5 children. Calvin loved to spend time with his family whether it would be at the beach on Sundays in the summer, fishing with his sons and nephews or just sitting around telling jokes.

A man of many nicknames, both received and given, Calvin was known as Ronnie, Flea, Slugger C-Dub and many others. He would give each family member a nickname which he would use each time he would see them, no matter their age or the occasion.

Calvin was an avid sports fan cheering on the Pittsburg Steelers, Atlanta Braves, Norcom Greyhounds and his beloved Norfolk State Spartans. He would cheer for NSU football with more optimism than the team had in themselves. Many times sitting on the 40-yard line in Price Stadium you would hear him, in the fourth quarter down by twenty points with seconds left in the game say “We got this, we are going to pull this out.”

After losing his father at the age of 15, he had one sincere and fervent prayer, to see his children grow to adulthood and know that they were alright.  God graciously granted this to him, allowing him to see all five of his children, Calvin Wilson (Pamela), Matthan Wilson (Niricoel), Anah Wynn (Quentin), Kimberly Thompson (Robert), and Omega Wilson (Lisa) graduate high school and college, marry and have children of their own. He leaves a legacy that includes 12 adoring grandchildren, Whitney (Jason), Ashley, Calvin (Cam), Daniel, DaeJuan, Angel, Rebekah, Rayna, Chase, Rachel, Allison, and Christopher and 4.5 great-grandchildren.  To share his memory are countless cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom will be happy to share their provided nicknames.

Preceded in death by his parents, and 5 siblings, Earl Lee Wilson, Ethel Holland, Vilma Braswell, Melvin Wilson and Ralph Wilson, Calvin leaves 3 sisters Eunice Cephas, Florie Knight (Timothy), Aubredella Austin and 1 brother Timothy Wilson who constantly remind us of how a family loves through all.

Viewing Sunday, November 15, 2020 12:00pm - 5:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Wake Service Sunday, November 15, 2020 1:00pm - 3:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Graveside Service Monday, November 16, 2020 11:00am Albert G. Horton Veteran Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(11)

  1. reply
    Arlette L. Tucker says

    Condolences to the family. Mr. Wilson was an awesome man. Very caring and always giving advise.

  2. reply
    Rudolph V Sykes Jr. says

    This is from your family in Richmond, Va. our mom Charlotte, Rudy and Sheryl and their family, Quincy and Bernita and their family. Ronnie’s father and my grandmother were sister and brother.
    To Barbara and the family we loved Ronnie, whenever I saw him he always had a joke for me or on me. He made me proud to be a Wilson also. We as a family share in your loss. We pray that you will feel Gods presence for comfort.
    Rudolph V. Sykes Jr.

  3. reply
    Eric and Felicia Mingo says

    Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. I pray that our Lord brings you and your family the much-needed peace during this sad time.

  4. reply
    Richmond inlaws Brown &West says

    no words that i can say will ease what you’re feeling right now. but know that God can give you the comfort to go through the rough days and the dark nights. we are going to miss Mr. Ronnie, he was a very enjoyable fun person to be around. RIP grandaddy.

  5. reply
    George and Barbara Robinson says

    Remember, that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot bear. May God comfort the entire family and give you peace and the strength you need in the days to come.We will continue to keep you in prayer. Love you, George and Barbara Robinson

  6. reply
    Black History Committee of theHudson Valley says

    Quentin & Anah Wynn;
    No matter what your trials are, or how big your mountain seems;
    The Lord is there to see you through; He’ll go to all extremes.
    So, if your cross seems hard to bear; and you know not what to do;
    The One who loves you most of all will be there to see you through.
    Sadie Tallie, BHC President

  7. reply
    ANGELA R. GASKINS says

    Your cousins, the Robertson family, send condolences. May God comfort and bless you all so that your hearts heal without scares. Call upon memories of family spending time together, and how the laugher, love, and warmth among those who called Ronnie husband, dad, brother, friend, uncle, granddad, or cousin strengthened the family bound. These recollections will help you to find peace of mind and bring you out of the sadness that comes with loss.

  8. reply
    Adolphe (Doc) Braye says

    I have no words to express the way I feel having lost a mentor and true friend. Barb please know that our prayers are with you and yours forever. Stay strong and trust and believe it will be alright after a while. God love you and so do we. .

  9. reply
    Donna C. Darden says

    My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family. Barbara, I am praying for you and your family.

  10. reply
    Rodney Price says

    My sincere condolences to the Wilson family. Mr. Wilson was one of the outstanding men in our community, a role model for us all. Calvin, Redde, Cookie, Kim, and Omega your father’s legacy lives on in you. Mrs. Wilson I will keep you and the family in my prayers.

  11. reply
    zery c mingo says

    Zery Mingo and family in Maryland says

    November 19,2020pm
    Our sincere condolences to Brother Redd, Mrs. Wilson and the rest of the family in the passing Mr. Wilson a man that will go down in history as a Leader of his family and the African American community. Mr. Wilson God said your journey has ended. It is time to rest. Rest in peace Mr. Wilson. God bless

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