Calvin C Gaither Jr.

CALVIN CARROLL GAITHER, JR. was born to the late Calvin Carroll Gaither, Sr. and the late Hilda Wright Gaither in Baltimore, Maryland on May 24, 1944. The Designer’s original, Calvin was loving, kindhearted, caring, friendly, supportive, and loved to make you laugh. Calvin passed suddenly on August 28, 2024. He was blessed to have lived 80 years. In 1990 Calvin accepted Christ and was baptized at Mount Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend William Brown. He served as an usher for a period. Calvin, raised in the R.I.C.H. Community (Raised In Cherry Hill), was educated in the Baltimore Public School System. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and later enlisted in the United States Army Reserve where he received an Honorable Discharge. While Calvin worked various jobs (Yellow Cab Company, Youth Works, DJS Foster Grandparent Volunteer, Huber Memorial After School Program), he was most proud of his teaching career. Calvin earned his degree from Morgan State University. He was an educator in the Baltimore City Public School System for 19 years. He really and truly loved working with young people. He had a knack for connecting with them on their level. To this day former students and young people share their memorable stories and experiences under Calvin’s tutelage. On July 21, 1979, Calvin married Patricia Harris. “He is the kindest man I have ever known” is how she would describe him. They were married 45 years. This union created a blended family of three daughters Shawn, Tanya and Dorothy. In the early years, Calvin and “Trick” (his term of endearment for her) enjoyed jazz shows, traveling, camping, fishing and fun times laughing and cutting up with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking seafood and was known for making the best shrimp salad ever. Mostly homebodies in the latter years, they cherished their time with family. Calvin’s most recent enjoyment was gaming, catch ball, Phase 10 card games, You Tube and anything his great grandson JoJo, wanted to do. He lit up Calvin’s life. Calvin had a love for animals. He would always talk about his boxers “Chazz” and “Bridget” who have gone on. He was very fond of his new-found furry friend whom he named “Kit Cat”. In his early years, Calvin’s hobby was photography as he enjoyed capturing memories. Recently, Calvin’s favorite pastime was lounging in his chair watching television – Sports, Wildlife shows, “Ridiculousness” and “Family Feud” (of course he knew all the answers!). A “Rideshare” at heart, Calvin spent much of his time transporting people wherever they needed to go. Calvin was easy to love. While sometimes unorthodox, he was a gentle soul. Genuine and down to earth, no posturing or pretending, he would befriend everyone he met. Calvin’s real goal in life was to make everyone smile. Yes, Calvin has left this world but he left behind an indelible mark on our hearts. Calvin’s favorite gospel song was “Take Me To The King” by Tamela Mann. We believe Calvin has arrived! Calvin is survived by: his wife, Patricia Harris Gaither; children, Shawn Gaither, Tanya Smith (Joe), Dorothy Sundi Gaither; grandchildren, Ashley (Sheldon), Jordyn, Kirsten, Jared, Bria; great-grandchildren, Sheldon Jr., Amber, Aniya, Amira, Kyeon Jr., Jordan aka JoJo, Kali, Brailyn; in-laws, Susie Hopkins, Tyrone Jackson, James Andre Putman; niece, Greesha Gaither; cousin, Thomas Weaver Jr. (Gloria); special friends, Tracy Fowlkes, Duane Long, Michael Daley; and a host of other relatives, friends and associates. He was preceded in death by his parents Calvin Sr. and Hilda Gaither, brother Gregory Gaither and grandson Kyeon Gaither Sr.

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Calvin C Gaither Jr.

May 24, 1944 - August 28, 2024