David Calhoun

David Lawrence Calhoun, 74, peacefully departed on July 25, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. He embraced each day and carried on with grace and dignity throughout his illness. His beloved grandchildren gave him a Superman tee shirt at the outset and he proudly wore it to each and every treatment.

Dave was born on November 3, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended Mount Union College and Youngstown State University where he pursued a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He loved his state and was passionate about the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians! He actually caught pneumonia after attending the Browns championship game in ‘64! Dave married in 1964 and began his business career in Columbus, Ohio, where his wife, Miffy, completed her education at The Ohio State University. Dave worked for the J.M. Smucker Company and travelled extensively in a sales management capacity. Dave’s love in life was his family…his girls, who he called the “A” Team (Amy and Alyssa), his wife and his cats…all of which were women! The family was transferred often and spent many happy years in St. Louis, MO and Little Rock, AK. He retired to Jacksonville in 1989 and the family quickly embraced the Florida life-style, SEC Football, and of course, the Jaguars! He called each day here “Another day in paradise!”

Dave was patriotic and never hid his tears. One of his prized possessions is a watch that he received from the Florida Blood Alliance when he became a 10-gallon donor. In fact, he asked for it the evening that he entered into Hospice care. He also loved baseball and, joyfully shared an infinite knowledge of baseball trivia with his grandson, Alex. He treasured the family’s annual Destin vacations which began when the girls were younger and eventually included husbands, grandchildren and many of their friends.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Miffy; daughters, Amy Calhoun VanLandingham (Darin), of Atlanta, GA and Alyssa Calhoun Hurst of Jacksonville, FL; cherished grandchildren, Abigail Frances VanLandingham, Alexander Weldon VanLandingham and William Henry Hurst III, better known as Trip; sister; brother-in-law; and many other loving family members.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dave’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Southside Methodist Church, located at 3129 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd or the Florida Blood Alliance, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224.