Posted as a courtesy for our dear friend, Carol Lavely & Family. Spry Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama is in charge of arrangements.

Calvin Lester Lavely

July 24, 1946 - July 1, 2025

Calvin Lester Lavely, 78, of Athens, Alabama, walked into the presence of his Savior on July 1, 2025.

Born on July 24, 1946, in Savannah, Georgia, to Col. Calvin E. Lavely and Hazel Lavely, Calvin lived a life marked by humility, integrity, and faith. He was a longtime member of First Methodist Church in McRae, Georgia, where he served faithfully and grew in his walk with the Lord. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and a retired forester, Calvin approached both his service to country and his profession with diligence and honor.

Above all, Calvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family and modeled Christ's love to those around him. He was a man of faith who found joy in God's creation and hope in the promise of eternal life. Calvin shared a deep and abiding love with Carol – his middle-school sweetheart and wife of 58 years. Their marriage was a testimony to God's faithfulness, built on a foundation of love, commitment, and a shared walk with Christ.

A celebration of Calvin's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Church in Athens, Alabama, with Keenan Braden and Wason Carroll officiating. Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Lavely of Athens; his daughters, Marilyn (Wason) Carroll of Athens and Jennifer (Butch) Sims of Greenville, AL; his grandchildren, Caleb Carroll (fiancée Brianna Newby), Brooke (Ian) Namie, Michael Norton, Chandler Claxton, Reagan Claxton (fiancé Casey Huggins), and Haley (Wheldon) Altom; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Phillip (Nancy) Lavely of Daphne, AL; and several nieces and nephews.

While he is deeply missed, his family rejoices in knowing Calvin is now at rest, fully healed and in the presence of the One to whom he entrusted his life.