Kenneth "Buddy" Caldwell

Kenneth Wayne “Buddy” Caldwell passed away on January 29, 2019, at his home in Cornelius, NC, surrounded by his family.  Buddy was born on February 15, 1949, in Mooresville, NC to the late Ruth Archer and Kenneth Mell Caldwell. He was also preceded in death by his step-mother, Vivian Caldwell; infant daughter, Emily Rebecca; and his like-a-brother best friend, Jim Cleckler.

Buddy graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1967.  He earned an athletic scholarship to play football and baseball at the University of South Carolina.  He graduated from USC with a degree in Banking and Finance in 1971. He married his lifelong sweetheart Judith Kelly Caldwell on December 27th, 1971. Upon graduation he signed with the Washington Senators organization and played three seasons of professional baseball.

After baseball Buddy and Judy returned to Cornelius. He began his banking career in the North Mecklenburg area.  He was a long-time member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, the George Kelly Sunday School class, and North Mecklenburg Rotary. He was instrumental in starting and carrying on the annual golf tournament for the NMHS Athletic Booster Club. He loved to hunt, play golf, and ride his Harley. He was a faithful spectator of all games, concerts, and activities that involved his children and grandchildren.

We, his family and friends, celebrate his life and the many ways he expressed his unconditional love for us in each of his roles. We cherish our memories of him and praise our Heavenly Father for the gift He gave us in Buddy/Dad/Grandpa.

He is survived by his wife; daughter Elizabeth Coker and her husband Sam of Cornelius; son Ken and his wife Hope of Charleston, SC;  son Kevin and his wife Lynn of Huntersville; and his faithful sidekick, Dixie. He was a proud Grandpa to Will, Lucas, and Caroline Coker; Kenneth Liam Caldwell; and James and Rebecca Caldwell. Survivors also include his sisters Elaine McArn (Jerry) and Becky Brown (Emery); and his beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, on Friday, February 1, from 6:00-9:00.

A Funeral Service will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Cornelius, NC, on Saturday, February 2, at 11:00, with burial immediately following in the Community Cemetery. There will be a reception afterwards in the Mt. Zion Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Buddy Caldwell NMHS Legacy Fund, 17002 Island View Dr., Cornelius, NC 28031 or http://paypal.me/BuddyCaldwellLegacy. This fund has been established to provide improvements to the baseball facility at North Mecklenburg High School. The first priority is the replacement of the existing batting cages.