Col. Calvin Elson Lavely

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Celebrating the life of
Col. Calvin Elson LavelyMarch 09, 1918 - September 20, 2012

Savannah- Col. Calvin Elson Lavely An Officer and a Gentleman born March 9, 1918, in Lafayette, Colorado, to Margaret Mae McDaniels and Lester Elson Lavely passed Thursday night September 20, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA, at the age of 94.
He graduated from Colorado State University in 1940 where he worked his way through college earning a degree in the field of Forestry. He worked for a short period at Fort Stewart appraising timber land that the Federal Government was purchasing as the military base grew. Shortly after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, he resigned his position and enlisted with the U.S. Army, a decision that shaped and defined his life and career for the rest of his life. Serving as an officer in the Quartermaster Corps of the U.S. Army his responsibilities took him to New Guinea, Philippines, Manila, Okinawa, and finally Japan. Along the way he was promoted to Captain before being discharged after the war, but later wanting to stay involved with the military he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves where he served until 1973 retiring at the rank of Full Colonel completing 31 consecutive years of military service to our country.
After World War II he returned to Georgia where he accepted employment as a timber estimator with Union Camp then known as Union Bag. That move began a 38-year tenure in forestry which brought him many acclaims from his fellow foresters across the South. He went up the corporate ladder, eventually advancing from field representative all the way to superintendent and manager in charge of procurement for the company's Savannah Mill and three saw mills. Each promotion within the company took him and his family of three sons to a new location including Stark, FL , Valdosta, GA, McRae, GA, and of course, Savannah. Two of his sons, Philip E. and Calvin L. followed his career choice by earning degrees in Forestry from the University of Georgia. Thirty-one years in the same branch of the military and 38 years with the same company give meaning to the concepts of loyalty and longevity.
Shortly after joining the military, he married Hazel Phillips in 1942, and they remained a devoted couple until her death in 1993. He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in the same grave site that Hazel was interred. Their union resulted in a family tree of two sons, Philip E. and Calvin L. and one stepson, Myron D. now deceased. He is survived by Philip and his wife Nancy, Calvin and his wife Carol, eight grandchildren Rusty, Laura, Jennifer, Marilyn, Teresa, Myron, Steve, and Tracey and 16 great-grandchildren. He was not only a devoted husband, but took great joy and pleasure in being a father and grandfather to his family. Honor, integrity, and discipline were the standards by which he lived – you never needed to question his loyalty to his family, his country, his community, or his Church at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church. When he spoke you knew that the truth had been shared and that fairness was imparted to all concerned. He was indeed a true representative of the Greatest Generation that this country has produced. He was a true Officer and Gentleman.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 in the chapel of Skidaway Island United Methodist Church with Reverend Jim Giddens officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Remembrances may be made to Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411.

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I know you only saw me when I was a baby, but I love you, and you will be missed. -Reagan Claxton

- Reagan Claxton, , GA

Rusty and the rest of the Lavely family, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God bless all of you.

- Rose Davis and family, Savannah, GA

My sincere condolences to the Lavely Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Gayle Prosser, Newnan, GA

Our hearts go out to the Lavely family as they celebrate the end of a life well lived and share the joy in Col Lavely being reunited with his beloved Hazel. May light perpetual shine upon them. You are in our hearts & prayers. God bless & comfort you. Rest easy with the knowledge that Col. Lavely has found his eternal rest with the Lord he served on earth.

- brenda & bob kremser, ocracoke island, NC

I will miss you Uncle Cal. I always had the highest respect for you as a fellow Army Officer and best uncle ever. You were a true southern gentleman and wonderful family member. I will miss exchanging cards this Christmas. See you in heaven.

- Terry Turpin, Foster City, CA

Cal and Carol, I'm so sorry to hear of Col. Lavely's passing. I remember all of the good times we used to have in McRae way back when! Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts at this time.

- Mary Lowry Atchley, McRae, GA

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. It's been many years since I've seen Col. Lavely but remember him to be a man of great character and dedication to his family and career. And I agree, he was truly 'An Officer and a Gentleman'.

- Bill McCoy, Alpharetta, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

- Melanie Garrison Spivey, St.Simons Island, GA

Phillip & Nancy and Calvin & Carol, Please know we're thinking of you. Your dad left a great legacy in you and your families.

- Dan & Linda Findley Taylor, Dacula, GA

Philip and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May our Lord bless you during this time of sorrow.

- Ed and Marjorie Smith Morrow, Fitzgerald, GA

Phillip and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.

- Susan Rieger Brown, Perry, GA

Phillip and Calvin and Family members. Sorry for you loss, you and your families will be in my prayers.

- Danny Harbin, MC RAE, GA

Cal, Carol, and other family members: I'm sorry for your loss. This lovely tribute is a wonderful testimony to a life well lived. I wish comfort and peace for all of you.

- Judy Harris, McRae & Atlanta, GA

So sorry to learn of Mr. Lavely's passing. I worked for him when he was in McRae back in the 1960's. Very fine gentleman. May God bless you in this time of loss. French Newton

- French Newton, Ringgold, GA