Vaughn Caldwell - Class of 1947

[Bob]

CALDWELL, VAUGHN KEITH (V.K.) - age 87, of Shalimar, Florida, formerly from Knoxville and Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2014. He went to be with the love of his life, Louise. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Anna Lucille and Mark McKinley Caldwell, Sr. on March 21, 1927. Vaughn served in the US Army as corporal of Company A, Third Regiment in 1944. He separated from the Army and joined the US Naval Service on November 3, 1944 as gunner's mate class "A" aboard the LST557. He proudly served during WWII. After his active duty time, Vaughn worked and retired from Bell South with 38 years of service. He was a devoted husband to Louise E. Caldwell, and they were married for 62 wonderful years. He called Louise his sweetheart. V.K. was very active in sports his entire life; taking several softball teams to state championships in Tennessee. He played and managed Broadway Shoppers and Harrison Construction teams from Knoxville. He was an avid golfer who played all over the United States, and was even able to go to the British Open to play the courses and watch the tournament. Vaughn loved the Tennessee Volunteers and proudly wore his orange. After moving to Florida, we attended the Big Orange Fan Club in Florida to watch games. He was also a Lady Vols Basketball fan and attended basketball games with his daughter, Elaine, and granddaughter, April. The hills of Tennessee were where Vaughn always called home. He and Louise enjoyed the Smoky Mountains, hiking, camping, traveling, and their picnics in Cades Cove. V.K. was able to attend the Honors Flight for veterans to Washington, DC, last year. He had such a good time remembering and seeing all the places in Washington dedicated to our veterans. Vaughn is preceded in death by parents, Anna Lucille and Mark McKinley Caldwell, Sr.; wife, Louise Elizabeth Caldwell; sisters, Leila Belle Hancock, Margaret Ruth Reed and Wanda Faye Hoffman; brothers, Charles Otis Caldwell and Lawrence Edward Caldwell; son-in-law, Albert T. Ridge; brother-in-law, David C. Johnson; and sister-in-law, Lois Caldwell. Survived by daughters, Elaine E. Ridge, Shalimar, FL, and Victoria A. Andrews, Lexington, MA; grandchildren, April Michelle Ridge, Shalimar, FL, Richard Keith Andrews, New York, NY, and Jessica Courtney Andrews, Lexington, MA. He leaves behind sisters, Marjorie Anna Johnson and Dixie Elizabeth Blevins (Phil) of Knoxville, TN; and brother, Mark McKinley Caldwell, Jr. (Catherine) of Christiansburg, VA; sister-in-law, Faye Harris Caldwell; brothers-in-law, Marcus C. Reed and Paul Hancock; and a host of nieces and nephews. V.K. also leaves behind his loyal Yorkie dog, Killer. Killer has been a faithful companion to him during these past few years. Flowers will be accepted or the family suggests donations to the Pat Summit Foundation Fund of East Tennessee, 625 Market Street, Suite 1400, Knoxville, TN 37902, in Memory of Vaughn K. Caldwell; this organization is dear to our hearts because Alzheimer's/dementia has taken the life of both our parents and other family members. At his request, Vaughn wanted a Big Orange homecoming for his final journey to Tennessee. Please wear orange in your support of his love of Tennessee and his final journey. Casual attire is acceptable. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014, at Bridges Funeral Home with Rev. Linda Bass officiating followed by the interment at Highland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999.www.bridgesfuneralhome.com