Wilbert "Buddy" Richard Harris Caldwell Jr.,  83 of Lenoir,  went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 25, 2025 while serving in his God ordained calling, at McCain Funeral Home and Cremations.  Buddy was born in Caldwell County to the late Wilbert and Carrie Witherspoon Caldwell on October 5, 1941 and attended Freedman High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his late wife, Overseer (Pastor) Juristine Caldwell of Bibleway Church #10 Lenoir NC, three sisters, Della Kincaid, Fannie Parsons and Pastor Myrtle Carlton. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Montrose "Trosie" Caldwell, Charles Woodard and Frank Caldwell.

He was a member of Bibleway Church #3 under the leadership of the late Overseer Irene Corpening where he served faithfully as a deacon, musician, quartet singer, and general maintenance person. "Buddy" recently picked back up his four string bass guitar and began playing for New Deliverance Church of the Trinity in Morganton, under the leadership of Pastor Tammy Wakefield.  Mr. Buddy worked for Ebony Funeral Service for many (50+ years) prior to its closing.  Mr. "Buddy" was a mechanic, back hoe operator, gravedigger,  gardener, Gospel singer, devoted friend, uncle, brother and father.  He has currently worked for McCain Funeral Home and Cremations for three years as a funeral attendant.  He was also one of the founders of The Gospel Enforcers and a current a lead singer of the quartet group, The New Gospel Messengers of Morganton, NC.

Those left to mourn his loss but cherish Mr. "Buddy's" precious memories are: four daughters: Carrie Foddrell (Darrin), Irene Caldwell, Kathy Morrison and Pauliesha Caldwell; son: Nigel Carlton; his brother, Joey Somers of Wilkesboro; sister, Julia Harris of Morganton; special daughters: Jurnii Isbell, Samantha Avery, Torie Banner; grandchildren: Juan Caldwell, Jessica Caldwell, Justin Caldwell, Joel Caldwell, Conner Caldwell, Camdyn Foddrell, Micah Foddrell, ShuQuanya, Morrison, JaCodie Pearson, ShuMiracle Corpening ,Nigel Patrick Carlton, Mende Carlton, Laney Carlton and Lauren Carlton; God-daughter: Ashley Daniels-Huntley (Darnell). "Mr. Buddy" loved his employer, Cody and Shaunda of McCain Funeral Home, and was excited every day to serve families with love, compassion, and honor the deceased with respect, integrity, dignity and grace.  He also has a host of extended great-grandchildren and an abundance of special daughters he affectionately called "his own": Winter Tugman, Toni Carlton, Wendy Carlton, Jurni Isbell, Crystal Carlton, Rhodda Medley, Sherry Setzer, Donna Norwood.  He loved teaching young boys how to work on cars, drive fast vehicles, and many other valuable life skills, such as his nephews/community sons: Randy Hood, Mark Hood, Jeff Hood, Wally Perkins, Darryl Perkins, Eric Perkins, Porky Vaught and Carlous Hood, Timmy Witherspoon, Jameson Witherspoon.  He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends that will always cherish his memory and forever be in their hearts. We thank the Lord for the lifelong, loyal friendships of Pastor Jimmie Norwood (Mary Alice), AJ Ferguson, Mr. "Duck" Witherspoon, Deacon Chris Hendrix, Linda Norwood Denny, Pastor Robert Hayes (Chesterfield Church of God), Buddy Patterson, Dottie Tugman, Rev. Butch Felder, Pastor Tammy Wakefield (New Deliverance Church of the Trinity), Dr. Terry Hunt, (Pastor TLC- Church),Pastor Rev. James Wilfong (Highway to Hedges Ministries) , Carlene Morrison, Pastor Darryl Medley (Spirit and Truth United House of Worship), Myra, Pastor Juan Johnson (Vision Hope and Peace Church) , Rev. James "Ike" Perkins. The Caldwell Foddrell family is forever grateful to Dr. Stephanie Alm and staff at Blue Ridge Healthcare for being his "trusted" healthcare provider!

A homegoing celebration honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Wilbert "Buddy" Caldwell will be held Thursday January 30, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Waterlife Church in Lenoir with Pastor Carrie Foddrell serving as eulogist; interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Bro. Buddy will lie in repose for public viewing on Wednesday January 29, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations.  The Caldwell and McCain Funeral Home families would like to thank each of you for your prayers, acts of kindness, and all expressions of sympathy during this difficult time.

The service will be livestreamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A