Mr. Calvin Preston Andrews Sr., affectionately known as "Big Daddy", age 74, of Lavonia, died Tuesday, August 14 at St. Mary's Hospital.
Born on April 1, 1933 in Franklin County, Georgia, he was the son of Martha Clara Ledbetter Andrews of Brown Memorial Convalescent Center and the late Hoyt Andrews. Mr. Andrews attended North Georgia College.In 1958 hefounded Andrews Jewelers of Lavonia with his wife Frances.He was a registered jeweler, member of the American Gem Society, and Gemological Institute of America. He was a member of the Georgia Jewelers Association and was honored asGeorgiaJeweler of the Year in 1998.
He was a former Scout Master of Troop 51 and a charter member of the Lavonia Jaycees.Mr. Andrews was a member and past-president of the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce.He was a member of the board of directors for the Lavonia Housing Authority, where he served for 40 years and has served as chairman since 1997.Mr. Andrews was elected to the board of directors for the Ty Cobb Hospital System in 1974 and served as chairman from 1985 to 2002.
Mr. Andrews was a member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church and the Zack Daniel Sunday School Class.He was elected a deacon in 1958 and was honored to serve many terms as a deacon and as chairman.He had a 31 year military career as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, the Army National Guard, and earned the rank of Master Sergeant.Flying his small plane as a private pilot and playing golf were some of his favorite activities.Calvin was always ready to play with his golfing buddies.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Frances "Tiny" Williams Andrews of the home; a son: Calvin P. "Cal" Andrews, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth E. "Beth" Andrews of Lavonia and daughter: Aneah "NeeNee" Andrews Kay and her husband Dr. Perry Kay of Hartwell; three grandchildren: William Preston "Will" Andrews, Whitney Leigh Kay and Lauren Marisa Kay five brothers: Kenneth Andrews and Roger Andrews both of Toccoa, Harold Andrews of The Villages FL, Doug Andrews of Homer and David Andrews of Winder; three sisters: Frances Kesler of Anderson SC, Abby Oddo of Palm Coast FL and Sarah Brafford of Greenville NC; Linda LeCroy, a faithful employee of Andrews Jewelers for 35 years, and her family; 12 nieces and nephews also survive.
The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday.The family is at the home.Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to the Lavonia First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 47, Lavonia, GA30553.
Funeral services will be Friday, August 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger and Rev. Richard Bielski officiating, with special remarks by nephew, Dr. Steve Andrews and brother-in-law, Rev. Paul Brafford.Burial will be in the Franklin Memorial Gardens ~ North with Rev. Chris Chitwood and Rev. Mike Smith officiating. Military honors provided by the US Military.Pallbearers will be his nephews:Todd Andrews, Bryan Andrews, Kevin Andrews, Jarad Brafford, Jake Williams, Doug Trotter, Eddie Oddo, Michael Hundsucker, Andy Hill and Alec Rosenberger.Honorary Pallbearers will be the Zack Daniel SS Class and the Lavonia Housing Authority board of directors, director Rick Whitworth and staff.