Shelton Calhoun Jr.

Shelton Ward Calhoun, Jr., 82, died peacefully at Anderson Regional Medical Center, Friday, July 10, 2020, due to complications following heart surgery.

He is survived by his sons, Ward, III (Connie) and John (Daphne); his grandchildren Ashlie Dial (Skeeter), Drew (Abby), Caroline, Cameron, Greyson, and Walker Calhoun; and his great-grandchildren, Cade and Landrye Hopkins, and Mac Calhoun, all of Lauderdale County.

In addition, his is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Janet Calhoun of Sulfur, LA, along with numerous nephews, nieces, and close friends.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents, Shelton and Edith Calhoun, Sr., and the love of his life, Ella Lea Mosby Calhoun.

Ward was born in Mount Olive, Mississippi, on November 24, 1937. He graduated from Meridian High School (1956), Meridian Junior College (1960), the University of Southern Mississippi (1967), the Graduate School of Banking at LSU (1979), and the University of Colorado at Bolder School of Banking (1981). He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1961 until 1966.

He retired as a vice president of AmSouth Bank in July 2000. Ward was the Director of Lauderdale County Achieves from July 2000 until his death.

Ward was a member of First Baptist Church of Meridian and the Glen Deweese Sunday School Class. He was a mason and past Master of Meridian Lodge #308 and a member of the York Rite. He was a member of the Meridian Exchange Club, the T.C. Carter, Jr. Post 21 of the American Legion, the East Mississippi Scottish Society, and the Military Order of Stars and Bars.

He was board president of the East Mississippi Crime Stoppers, board secretary of the First Mississippi Federal Credit Union, and served on the board for Rose Hill Cemetery. He was often invited to speak to various organizations and at historical events.

To be honest, this is not an exhaustive list of Ward’s community service and involvement because he loved sharing his knowledge of history and being a part of community organizations.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at First Baptist Church Meridian. Visitation will begin at 9 A.M. with service following at 11 A.M. Graveside service will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. The family requests that masks be worn wherever a six-foot separation is not possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be given to Lauderdale County Achieves, the American Cancer Society, and East Mississippi Crime Stoppers.