Calvin Christopher Cockrell

Calvin Christopher Cockrell (aka “Chris” or “Big Cal”) was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on December 5, 1965, to the delight of Bertha Cockrell and Fred Vaughn. In his early years, he attended schools in Saint Louis and Saint Charles, Missouri.  In 1985 (age 19), Calvin graduated from New Hope High School in Columbus, Mississippi. He later received certification in the travel industry.

While he enjoyed a long engagement in his early 20s, Calvin came to embrace the joys of lifelong bachelorhood. He also loved animals, parenting cats, and was a beloved “uncle” and caregiver to his “fur baby” and constant companion, Kali.

As a youth, Calvin served in various roles at the Shelter of Love Church of God in Saint Louis, Missouri and Ethelsville, Alabama. He directed the choir and traveled with his mother and siblings as the Turner Singers. He was an incredibly talented singer and musician who was self-taught in several instruments, including the drums, keyboard, and guitar. As an adult, he applied those talents to a Saint Charles band, performing in many area venues. In his spare time, he also loved to perform karaoke when and wherever possible. He was the Great Debater, who could engage others regarding life, love, politics, culture, local, national and world events, and society in general.

In the late 1980’s, Calvin served in the Army Reserve. After returning to his birthplace in Saint Louis, he began a long career in the restaurant industry, rising from busboy to kitchen chef.  Finally, he relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, to reset his focus on family. Here he enjoyed dinners, movies, the warm weather, sunshine and, as often as possible, beach life.

Calvin departed this life on Monday, October 30, 2023. He was preceded in death by his mother, Apostle Bertha M. Turner (1995); his “stepped-up” father, Pastor Samuel “Deac” Turner (2013); and his natural father, Fred Vaughn.

He leaves to cherish his beloved siblings, Ronnie Foster (Penny Smith), Cheryl Adams, Samuel Turner, Quintin Turner (Renee), and Sandra Barnes. In addition, he leaves a host of adoring nieces and nephews, his “fur nieces” (Kali and Malia), aunts and uncles, cousins, other relatives and last, but not least, many sorrowing and caring friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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