John S. Caldwell

John S. Caldwell, 82, of Candler, died on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at a local hospital. Born in Rowan County, N.C., he was the son of Robert Leroy Caldwell and Hazeltine Pruitt, who preceded him in death. Brothers Robert Caldwell and of piedmont, SC and Tom Caldwell of Pelzer, SC also preceded him in death. He was a navy veteran of WWII, having enlisted in 1942. He served on the U.S.S. Cowpens as a gunners mate in the notable Asiatic-Pacific raids and operations launched from that aircraft carrier. An exceedingly humble man, he rarely spoke of the distinguished service that earned him three bronze stars. He was, however, very proud of the degree he earned in civil engineering at North Carolina State University in 1950, with assistance from the GI Bill. Like his father before him, Mr. Caldwell was a road builder. He worked in highway construction for close to five decades, supervising major projects in Chicago, Kentucky, and Indiana before returning to N.C. in 1966. He served as general superintendent and then president of Asheville Paving Company until 1983. He continued to consult on numerous highway projects in Western North Carolina until health challenges necessitated his retirement. He is revered as a mentor to many young men and women civil engineers who benefited from his patient, steady guidance. This group includes his son and three grandsons, all of whom work in the highway construction industry. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Nanette Carter Caldwell, of Asheville; daughter Rebecca Caldwell of Asheville; son John Caldwell, Jr., of Rutherfordton, N.C., along with wife Jane Woody Caldwell; grandsons Jonathan Brett, Daniel Brian, and David Bradford with wife, Christy, and great granddaughter Kinsley. He is survived as well by his sister Naomi Hampton of Pelzer, S.C., and devoted nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to his many friends in the construction industry in addition to well-loved friends and neighbors, especially Mildred Bryan, Bob and Penny Heyward, and the Woody family. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Tim Whittemore of Candler for the care and friendship he showed Mr. Caldwell in the last year of his life. A remembrance celebration is planned for 2-4 p.m., Saturday, February 2, at Oak Forest Presbyterian Church, in Asheville, N.C. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent either to Oak Forest Presbyterian Church at 880 Sand Hill Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, or to support efforts to protect North Carolinas fishing streams, lakes, and rivers. A passionate angler, Mr. Caldwell would be pleased to know others might continue to enjoy the waters he loved to fish.