Calvert, Gary Lee

Gary Lee Calvert, age 76, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born to Opal (Gilbert) and Oney Calvert on August 1, 1948, Gary was the fourth of their five children, and the first born in Oak Ridge. Childhood trips to his extended family’s home in Kentucky, and family vacations to the Gulf Coast of Florida led to an early and life-long love of travel and the outdoors, from the mountains to the desert to (especially) the beach.
After graduating from Oak Ridge High School in 1966, Gary attended Middle Tennessee State University. There, he met Linda Gail King, whom he would marry in 1970. In their free time, Gary and Linda enjoyed touring all over the Southeast on the first of several motorcycles.
Following his service in the Army National Guard, Gary began a distinguished career with the Department of Energy, beginning with Electrical Engineering, Power Operations, and Utilities at K-25. He joined the Oak Ridge Lodge of the BPO Elks, and would go on to become their second-longest-serving active member.
Much to the relief of their parents, Gary and Linda finally got around to starting a family, starting with the birth of their son Chad in 1977. A second son, Jeffrey, was born in 1979, followed by daughter Rebecca in 1982. With his children came the second-greatest project of his life: the construction of a houseboat at Sequoyah Marina on Norris Lake. That became the family’s home away from home, where Gary hosted countless gatherings, and taught generations of children how to fish, swim, and water-ski.
He completed further studies at the University of Tennessee before earning his degree at Tusculum University. In 1984, Gary transferred from K-25 to Y-12, where he spearheaded the plant’s efforts in recycling, energy management, and conservation, eventually retiring as a Plant Shift Superintendent after 35 years.
A passionate believer in community service, Gary also volunteered extensively with organizations beginning with 4-H, which allowed him to share the practical and hands-on learning he had gained from his own father. His sons’ activities led to long relationships with the Boy Scouts of America, the Oak Ridge Rowing Association, and others.
Retirement left Gary more time for home projects. From an early age, he developed a love for work and to be on the move – though he would always happily put aside a project to help friends and family with their own tasks. This past May, Gary’s building skills were put to use on a float celebrating the 100th Gilbert Family Reunion, part of the 94th Mountain Laurel Festival Parade in his mother’s hometown of Pineville, KY. He had attended the reunions and parades nearly all his 76 years, as well as Calvert Family reunions.
When he wasn’t tinkering in his shed or tending his immaculate landscaping, Gary, Linda, and Rebecca love to travel – particularly to Florida, from the beaches of his youth, to Daytona for NASCAR with his brothers, all the way down to Key West.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda; his children Chad (Ashli), Jeffrey (Joshua), and Rebecca; his grandson Max; his siblings Lynn, Karen (Mike), Doug, and John; as well as countless relatives and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents, many other family members, and dear friends, all of whom will welcome him into the light with open arms.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 14 from 5-8 pm and for an hour before the celebration of life service on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 am at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge, with burial to follow at Anderson Memorial Gardens.
Posted By: Administrator - 02-12-2025
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