of Brookland, AR
June 7, 1917 - January 19, 2021
On this day, January 19, 2021, William Calvin Prestidge, a respected and loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, farmer, carpenter, soldier and the best of the greatest generation, left this world at the age of 103. Calvin Prestidge of Brookland was an avid gardener and a member of Refuge Church. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was born June 7, 1917 in Darling MS to George Thomas and Virgie Julianne (Bailey) Prestidge.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and a half sister.
Those left behind to cherish the wonderful memories of Calvin include his loving wife of 73 years, Lois Edith (Downs) Prestidge; a daughter, Brenda Ford; two grandchildren, Brad (Melissa) Ford and Robyn Tyler; great grandchildren, Brittany (Drew) McCalla, Alec Ford, Zoe Tyler and Bennett Ford; great-great grandchild, Colbie Grace McCalla; brother, Edward Prestidge; sisters, Thelma Earnhart and Georgia Faye Fletcher; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 2 pm Sunday at the Pine Log Cemetery pavilion with Matt Smith officiating and Darlene Downs singing. Visitation will begin at 1 pm at the cemetery until time of service.
Pallbearers will include Keith Downs, Kyle Downs, Brad Ford, Alec Ford, Bennett Ford and Larry Earnhart.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
Per CDC guidelines, masks are required with social distancing observed.
One of the most easy going and hardest working men I’ve ever known.
Rest in Pease
What a great man! I remember his favorite word was Peckerwood when he hit his finger with a hammer. He will be missed.
Calvin Prestidge was “one of a kind.†I saw him for the first time, when we visited
Paragould First Assembly. But I didn’t get to know him until Lois and him started attending church at Refuge in Jonesboro. It was there while I was Senior Adult Pastor
Will be missed by family and friends. Heaven is rejoicing today!!!
One of the most wonderful men I have ever known!
Thank you Brother Prestige for being a friend to my family and me!
I love you allðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ˜ª
Many great memories when he and John Hays worked together as carpenters. I’m sure he taught John so many things. We enjoyed lunch breaks with them. Love and prayers for family â¤ï¸ðŸ˜˜ðŸŒ¹ðŸ™ðŸ»âœï¸
Papa's legacy of strength and service lives on in his beloved grandson. Returned to his beloved earth after a lifetime of hard work. Much love to all of his family.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies with the family.
Warm regards,
Jo de Koning
I did not have the privilege to know Mr. Prestidge or his family. I’m writing this first because I was stopped in my tracks by his big smile and pure look of joy as I browsed the obituaries. Then as I read about his life and what he meant to so many people it put a BIG smile on MY face. Thank u Mr. Prestidge for proudly and bravely serving our great Country. God received a great one today.
Mr Calvin was always an outstanding person in the community. He was a kind, hard working , religious man who everyone looked up to.
The very model of the best of humanity. Kind, generous, ideal temperament. The true Christian man. Just wish he would have elected to tattoo those calves ears before they weighed 600 pounds!