Vacal Caldwell

Major Vacal Dee Caldwell, USA, Retired, affectionately known as “Vac,” was a remarkable and loveable man who lived an extraordinary life. He was born in Waco, Texas, on April 9, 1946, to Mamie Leslie Franklin. Vac and his four older brothers: Donald Ray, Robert, Curmell, and Melvin were raised by their Great Aunt Evalena Franklin (Waco Momma). He attended and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in McGregor, TX, in 1964 as Salutatorian of his class. 

In the Fall of 1964, Vacal enrolled at Prairie View A&M University. Two years of Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) were required, but he wanted more training and continued in the Advanced ROTC Program. Upon completing all requirements, he graduated in 1968 as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a B.S. in Physics, was designated Student of the Year, and received a Regular Army Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance Officer branch. Vac had aspirations of becoming an astronaut, but unfortunately, they were altered due to the Vietnam War. 

Vac was a devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather. On February 14, 1970, he married his wife of 47 years, Van Dora Woods of Hooks, Texas, whom he met at Prairie View A&M University. Together, they had four children: Dervinn, Maleata, Early, and Marchalena. Vac was a faithful and dedicated caregiver to Van for several years before she passed away in August of 2017. "Vac & Van" were pillars of the Ft. Gillem Chapel and the Clayton County community for more than three decades.  

Vac was a Vietnam veteran whose 20-year Army career included tours overseas and at multiple U.S. bases. He received several awards and ribbons during his military career, including the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) and the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), and retired in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon returning to civilian life in 1988, Vac worked for Clayton County Emergency Management. Voted President of the Emergency Management Association of Georgia in 1999, he later retired as Emergency Manager after 15 years. In parallel, Vac also served with the Clayton County Soil & Water Conservation District for 26 years, first in the elected position of Supervisor and later as Vice Chairman. 

In addition, he volunteered and served as Vice Chairman of The Hope Shelter Inc., a homeless shelter for women and children in the Atlanta area. His other community organization memberships include being initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. through the Petersburg, VA Alumni Chapter in 1973. He was also a charter member of the Killeen-Fort Hood, TX, Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., which was established in 1977. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity.

Vac was a steadfast Christian who shared his faith with his family and community. In retirement, he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and active member of the Gillem Community Church. Every day, he thanked God that he was a walking medical miracle, including being a brain tumor and cancer survivor. Always an upbeat and fun-loving person, Vac's favorite pastimes included traveling the country, visiting family and friends, bargain shopping, playing Bid Whist, and just enjoying life. He was known for his dapper fashion, especially hats, his love for cowboy boots, the latest model cars, and technology. He loved his children, grandchildren, and bonus children and grandchildren dearly and enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments. 

In recent years, Vac was reunited with his son, Vacal Jr., and his family. Later, he was also reunited with his high school sweetheart and childhood friend, Jadie Pryor of Houston, Texas. In August 2019, they married and embraced a new chapter of life. Vac grew close to Jadie’s children, Kenneth Sr., Ashley, and Lyndon, and very much enjoyed the laughter of Lyndon’s young children, who cherished him as their “Grandpa.” Vac and Jadie enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, attending online Sunday School with Vac as the teacher, receiving visits from church members, and playing cards.

Vac will always be remembered for his big heart, love for God, family, friends, and community, wise counsel, and sense of humor. His life was living proof of God's goodness and a master class in overcoming adversity.

Vac was preceded in death by his mother, his first wife Van Dora Caldwell, his infant daughter Early, and four brothers, Donald Ray, Robert, Curmell, and Melvin. 

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his wife Jadie Pryor-Caldwell; children Vacal Caldwell Jr. (Raquel), Dervinn Caldwell (Kia), Maleata Hall (Kevin), and Marchalena Caldwell; bonus children Kenneth Pryor Sr., Ashley Pryor, Lyndon Pryor (Brandy), and bonus daughter-in-law, Sharon; grandchildren Raven Caldwell, Xavion Caldwell, Isaiah Caldwell, Jerrrod Caldwell, Maya Caldwell, Rusty Caldwell, Rayvel Hall, and Taylen Hall; bonus grandchildren Kenneth, Jr. Allison, Kameron, Kendall, Austyn and August Pryor; a baby great-granddaughter Minerva Caldwell; a bonus great-granddaughter June Pryor, a host of beloved nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives, church, and community members for which he was a father figure and role model.