George Caldwell, Sr

George Caldwell Sr. was a trailblazing dairyman who lived a remarkable life. He peacefully departed this world at the age of 99 on April 17, 2025, at his home. George was born on December 2, 1925, to the late Tommie and Susie Kate Smith Caldwell in the Coburg community of Green County. 

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Catherine Robinson Caldwell, with whom he shared nearly 72 years (affectionately known as “Shuga”). He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Tom Willie, Alfonso, Paul Allen, Ivan, James, Daniel, Alice, Mary Catherine, and Capitola Caldwell Johnson. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his namesake son, George Caldwell, Jr., and his grandson, Marcus Gregory Caldwell. 

George is survived by his sons Michael (Donna) of Campbellsville, Gregory and Stephen of Columbia, and Randall of Louisville. His daughters include Rose Ella Jones of Campbellsville, Patricia of Columbia, Clara Etta McCarty of Indianapolis, Marilyn Taylor (Ronald) of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Carolyn, Teressa, and Angela of Lexington. George was always delighted to hear of new additions to the family. He leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. 

At the age of 19, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as an amphibious truck driver and earned an Asiatic West Pacific Ribbon for the Liberation of the Philippines. During his 2½ years of military service, he also served as a Corporal in Washington State as a Medical Aidman and Medical Technician. He often recounted his responsibility for a medical ward of thirty-seven patients, proudly stating that he did not lose a single patient during this time. 

After his military service, George returned to Coburg and married Catherine on February 15, 1949. Together, they instilled strong moral character and a work ethic in their children, who brought them immense joy and pride. He implemented new techniques for crop growth and significantly improved his herd's milk production.

George received numerous awards, with one of his most memorable being Conservationist of the Year in 1973, presented by the late Governor Wendell Ford. He was especially proud of his herd producing one million pounds of milk in 1970.

As a pillar of strength and wisdom, George profoundly impacted all who knew him. He professed his faith in Christ at an early age and remained a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Greensburg, Kentucky. Over the course of his 89 years of church service, he held various positions, including Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Treasurer, Choir Member, Trustee, Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and participant in the Brotherhood Choir. He played a crucial role in obtaining funding to build the new church sanctuary.

George's legacy is that of a faithful man who walked with God throughout his life. His favorite song was “I’ll Fly Away”. His unwavering faith was evident in how he lived and the advice he offered to others. As we bid farewell to George Caldwell, we celebrate a life well-lived and will forever remember his wise words: “Pray and ask God before you do anything and let Him guide you.”

Funeral service – Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. (Central Time) at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Curle delivering the Eulogy

Burial in Bridgewater-Groves-Caldwell Cemetery in Green County

Visitation from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home and after 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the church

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

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