Burton Heyward Calvert, Sr., age 97, of Lumberton, NC, died peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024, surrounded by his family at Wesley Pines Retirement Community. Heyward was born in Fingerville, SC, on August 6, 1926.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearson Andrew Calvert & Annie Burton Calvert; his brothers: Jesse, Jack, Harry, and Richard Calvert; his sisters: Annie Dawkins, Dorothy Mathis, and Sara Garris; his first wife, Margaret Rogers Calvert; and his second wife, Kathryn Hayes Calvert.

Heyward was eager to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 as soon as he graduated from Rockingham High School, Rockingham, NC. As part of his assignment at Pearl Harbor, he had the honor of preparing and sending out the invitations to the WWII post surrender victory reception sponsored by Admiral Nimitz on September 2, 1945.  In Heyward's professional life he was employed by Beaunit Textiles from 1949-1975. He worked his way up from a clerk in Rockingham, NC to Plant Manager in Statesville, NC and Hamilton, NC. He was also employed at Westpoint Pepperell from 1975-1996 as the Quality Control Manager.

Heyward was an avid golfer, regularly scoring below his age after retirement. He also loved gardening and had a gorgeous, peaceful garden where he and Kathryn enjoyed relaxing.  He was an active member of Chestnut Street Methodist Church and previously served on the Finance Committee and was past Chairman of Trustees. He volunteered with The Church & Community Center in Lumberton building handicap ramps.  After Hurricane Floyd, he assisted in repairing damaged homes in Eastern NC with the United Methodist Men's Work Team. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club for 40 years and served as the President in Lumberton.

Heyward leaves a legacy of love, kindness, patience, acceptance, and gratitude. Some of his children's fondest memories are when he taught them how to water ski while spending summer days on Lake Norman. He loved his family and was grateful he lived to enjoy his seven great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Burton Heyward Calvert, Jr. (Karen) of Golden, CO, and his daughter, Kay Calvert Mead (Glenn) of The Villages, FL; his grandchildren: Thomas Calvert (Jennifer) of Louisville, KY, Allison Petersen (Chris) of Golden, CO, and Kimberly Ragan (Trevor) of Wake Forest, NC;  his stepdaughter, Barbara McKenzie-Tervo (Jay) of Beaufort, NC and their daughters, Ashley Ware and Caroline Tervo; and his stepdaughter, Julie McKenzie Jones (Steve) of Greenville, NC and their son, Benton Jones (Allison) of Raleigh, NC. Heyward was grateful that he was able to enjoy time with his great-grandsons: Ean Rieger, Kaedan & Declan Calvert, Markus Petersen, Lucas & Jack Ragan, and Harrison Jones.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 1:30-2:00 PM at Chestnut Methodist Church, 200 8th Street, in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM with Rev. Herbert Lowry officiating.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Wesley Pines Retirement Community, the staff and members of Chestnut Street Methodist Church and Gentiva Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Chestnut Street Methodist Church.