Calvin L. Dalton, 72 of Eden, NC passed November 14, 2023. Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Perry--Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC. The family will receive friends, Sunday November 19, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at United In Christ Ministries, 211 N. Oakland Avenue, Eden, NC with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Stoneville Community Cemetery, Stoneville, NC.

To Finish First, You Must First Finish

On Tuesday. November 14, 2023, early in the morning Calvin Louis Dalton (Smack) – as he was known by most saw the green light, revved his motor and without hesitation crossed the heavenly finish line.

Calvin was born June 12, 1951, to the late Loyce and Annie Belle Dalton in Eden, NC where he was raised in a small, loving community called “Black Bottom”. He attended the Rockingham County School System and obtained his diploma at Rockingham Community College. Calvin worked in textiles for some years and later attended MTA Truck Driving School in Greensboro, NC. During his 36 years as a Truck Driver, he was employed by many companies and was also an owner operator for several years.

Calvin was united in marriage to Vernette Scales for 54 years. He always said he prayed to God for his wife and “What God has joined together let no man put asunder” (Matthew 10:6). To this union three children was born, and one has preceded him in death.

All of those who knew Calvin “Smack” knew he loved racing. “Smack The Legend” as he was often called by the Black Town Racers, enjoyed hosting the car shows on the backstreet. Where racers would travel from near and far, just to hear him talk his junk. Hollering “Smack is back” and “Want some get some”. He was always the life of the party, as he was the only man, we ever knew who would drive up in his Monte Carlo and step out imitating James Brown. He would dance around on the backstreet, giving everyone laughs, but at the end of the day they all knew Smack was a good man, a true friend and a loving and caring person who would help anyone if he could. He was a hard-working man, as he drove 18-wheelers most of his life. Even out on the road he was the life of the party, as he would have 5 or 6 of his trucking buddies on a conference call laughing and joking to help one another from falling asleep while driving. Most of all Calvin loved his grandkids and great grandkids. He would give them the shirt off his back. They knew all they had to do was call papa and papa would go over and beyond. From getting cars fixed, to buying them cars, to him there was nothing like his grandkids and great grandkids. They brought joy to his life.

At a very early age Calvin gave his life to God and was a member of Springfield Baptist Church. After marrying and moving to Stoneville he attended Burning Bush Holiness Church. In 1993 and 1997 he attended “The International Bible Believers Church Seminary’ and completed his studies and was awarded Certificates in “Hermeneutics’, ‘Creation’, ‘Fall of Man’ and The Book of Daniel Introduction. Calvin moved back to Eden has renewed his fellowship with God at Springfield Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Wallington.

Calvin was preceded death by his parents; Loyce and Annie Belle Dalton, and son; Terry L. Dalton and great grandson; Candon Hairston. Five Brothers: Willie Dalton, DeLoyce Dalton, Swanson Dalton, Jonathan Dalton, and Ray Dalton; Three Sisters, Gloria Fitzgerald, Norma Carolina and Patricia Love.

He leaves to cherish fond memories of his life: his loving Wife Vernette S. Dalton of the home, two daughters, Melanie Dalton (Jamie) of Stoneville NC, Angelica Wall (much loved son-in-law Rashad) Eden, NC.

Three Special Children: Shernika Brown of Charlotte, NC; Edward Dalton of Eden, NC; Devan McFadden of Eden, NC.

Ten Grand Children: Zachery Dalton (Zack), Ashley Dalton (Ashey), Chandan Lowe (Squirt), Irianna Belcher (Big Mama), Sydnee Dalton (Sydnee Poo) Calnesha Dalton(Neet), Amber Dalton (Ammer), Jasmine Shinn(Jazz), Marcus Rucker(Macus), Kendale Mabe(Krissy).

Ten Great Grands: Aiden Belcher (Lil Man), Marcus Taylor (Malek), Kymiya Searcy (Mya), Zoe Rucker (ZoZo), Emmett/Noah/Olivia Shinn (the Babies), Carmelo Mabe (Mario), Landon/Mckinlee Rucker (Macus Babies).

Six Sisters: Carolyn Plowden of Lorain, Ohio; Martha Cohen of Eden, NC; Mary Kellam of Eden, NC; LuWanda Watson of Albany, GA; Rainie Slade (Curtis)of Eden, NC; Shelia Brooks (Bobby) Greensboro, NC

Seven Brothers: Robert Dalton of Eden, NC: George Dalton (Josie) of Greensboro, NC; Sandy Dalton (Jeanette)of Washington, DC; Roger Dalton of San Bernardino, CA; William Dalton (Melissa) of Detroit, MI; Dr. Roy Dalton (Teresa) of Martinsville, VA; Joe Dalton of Eden, NC. Host of much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.