William Eugene Calhoun, Sr.

William Eugene Calhoun, Sr. affectionately known as “Billy” was born January 27, 1945 in Dayton, OH to Fred and Louise (Harrison) Calhoun. He departed his earthly life on Monday, October 9, 2023 in Hamilton, OH. 

Having a strong spiritual faith, Billy accepted Christ at a very young age while attending Bethel Baptist Church of Dayton. He began his education attending Dayton Public Schools and was a proud graduate of The Paul Laurence Dunbar High School the “Mighty Wolverines” class of 1963 where he served as Class Vice President, notably participated in both the basketball and track and field programs in which he was later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Due to his outstanding athletic abilities in track and field he was awarded a full 4-year scholarship to Oklahoma University home of the Sooners. There he achieved recognition for All American In-Door Track and Field, 1967 NCAA Champion in the Mile Relay and 440 yards events and a lifetime membership into the “O” Club Hall of Fame. 

After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, Billy began his teaching career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Roosevelt High School and a night school instructor at Patterson Co-operative. He later became a General Foreman at Delco Moraine, served as Director of the Model Cities programs, owner of the Salem Wine Store and Co-owner of the Aquarium Nite Club. 

Billy’s commitment to service includes the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, track coach for his high school alma mater and Co-founder, director and coach for the Utopia Athletic Track Club. 

His greatest accomplishment was the love of his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred D. Calhoun and Louise Calhoun Hancock; brothers, Fred Calhoun and the Rev. Lee H. Calhoun; sister, Lawanda Hancock Calhoun; stepmother, Dorothy L.“ Dottie” Calhoun and sister, Joyce Calhoun Revere. 

Left to celebrate Billy’s legacy: his devoted companion of 20+ years Tonya Jones and her family from Hamilton, OH; his children, Kenneth E. “Kene”, William E., Jr. “Will”, Rodney E. and Brian E. (Angela) Calhoun, all of Dayton, OH, Shirree McFarland “Missie” of Dayton, OH and Dee Dee Cooley of CA; Nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren; siblings, Carrie J. Horne of Navato, CA, Ras Roderick (Tatenda) Calhoun, of Dayton, OH, Frederick D. Calhoun of Dayton, OH, Vickie (Bruce) Harris of Lawton, OK, Terry L. Hancock of Dayton, OH, Anthony D. Calhoun of Henderson, NV, and Rory J. Calhoun of Dayton, OH and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Billy was blessed to live a full life and will always be remembered for the love he shared with all of us.  May he rest in eternal peace.
 

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