Calvin Earl Willoughby

Mr. Calvin Earl Willoughby, 71, of Pilot Mountain, passed from this world to his heavenly home on Monday, July 1, 2019.  He was born December 29, 1947, in Johnston County, to Lester Willoughby and Elizabeth McBride Willoughby Profitt.  Mr. Willoughby was retired from the Better Business Bureau of Winston-Salem.  After his retirement, he was employed as a driver for YVEDDI, where he shared his God-given talents while greeting people with a smile and assisting them with their transportation needs around the county.  He was a special man who enjoyed life to its fullest.  When you met Calvin, you were immediately impressed by a firm handshake from a massive hand — a hand that could lovingly pat the back of a grandson who just celebrated a game-winning hit, or gently wipe the tears of a granddaughter whose heart was breaking over something big or small.  Calvin was a gifted photographer who used his talents not only to capture the beautiful country-side as he proudly rode his motorcycle, but to make lasting memories for his family — especially his grandchildren who participated in an endless variety of sports from t-ball to softball, baseball, basketball, and even gymnastics.  He seldom missed his beloved grandchildren’s sporting events even when two or more games were scheduled at the same time.  Calvin had a beautiful voice that dominated karaoke mics to the glee of his family and friends.  When Christmas season rolled around, he was lovingly known as Santa Claus around town and by his family.  Seldom did a day pass that he did not call his children; not only to ensure his daughters (and granddaughters) were properly maintaining their vehicles, but to just talk and inquire about their day.  Although he sometimes irritated his loving wife and children by procrastinating, they all knew when a problem arose, Pappaw was the first to offer help in any possible way.  While we terribly miss him, we know that he is two-wheeling on the streets of gold with his camera in the saddlebag, on his way to practice with God’s heavenly chorus.  Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Linda Freeman Willoughby; two daughters and a son-in-law, Kim Willoughby and Melissa and Jonathan Sutphin; a son and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Bridget Willoughby; seven grandchildren, Kerri Simmons, Kayci Simmons, Garrett Willoughby, Carson Willoughby, Taylor Sutphin, Katie Willoughby, and Reegan Sutphin; his mother, Elizabeth McBride Willoughby Profitt; two sisters, Judy Williams and Carol Purdy; a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Moreen Willoughby; and many, beloved nieces and nephews.  Preceding him from this world were his two brothers, Lonnie Willoughby and Bobby Willoughby; his father, Lester Willoughby; and his stepfather, Walter Profitt.  The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Anthony Gordy officiating.  The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home, with additional visitation at the home following the service.  Because of his love for the special needs children that rode his YVEDDI van, we ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either the Autism Society of North Carolina, Surry County Chapter, P.O. Box 7108, Mount Airy, NC  27030; or Surry County Special Olympics, 122 Hamby Road, Dobson, NC  27017.