William Henry Caulder
It is with great sadness that the family of William Henry Caulder, age 88 of Darlington and Columbia announces his passing. Henry, a loving and devoted husband of Vallarie Rogers Caulder for fifty plus years went home to be with his Lord and Savior, October 18, 2022.
Born, November 23, 1933 to the late Ruth and Proctor Caulder of Robeson County, North Carolina, who by example; taught Henry through God’s love and grace that love of family was unconditional and to show love to others by forgiving, accepting and honoring them – virtues that guided Henry throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, Henry, was predeceased by his beloved wife, son Johnny Caulder of Little River, SC, daughter- in-law Libby Anderson and granddaughter Lynn Anderson both of Spartanburg, SC, sisters, Grace Davis of Fairmont, NC, Sally Hathaway of Lumberton, NC, Kathy Shell of Wilmington, NC, Viola Stephens of Orrum, NC and brother Billie Caulder of Fairmont, NC.
As a proud driver for the former Overnight Transportation, Henry would often share stories of the many miles he traveled across the Upstate, Piedmont and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina long before the state’s interstate system. In 1964, Henry transferred from Greenville, SC to Florence, SC.
Early joys in their married life were going camping to the mountains and the coast with their young grandchildren and listening to Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Johnny Cash.
After Henry’s retirement, he and Vallarie moved to Darlington where he enjoyed riding his bike in and around the airport and in his local community of Indian Branch. Henry loved to fish and looked forward to the opportunity when his children and grands would invite him for a day of fishing. Well into his eighties, you’d often see Henry wearing his straw hat, cutting the grass and tending to his home.
At the time of his homecoming, Henry was a member of Victory Baptist church in Darlington. Henry and his wife, Vallarie shared the true happiness that comes from worshiping God together. During his early church service years, Henry loved assisting his wife, Vallarie with many senior activities, outreach to other senior shut-ins and ministering to nursing homes in the area.
One of Henry’s greatest treasures was his love for his children, grandchildren, great grands and great great-grands. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving children; daughters Carol (Steve) Eagerton of Florence, SC and Evelyn (Ron) Hopson of Columbia, SC, and sons Dannie (Miriam) Caulder of Quinby, SC and Gene Anderson of Darlington, SC.
Henry held dear his grandchildren and their every visit; Brandy Kennedy, Ashley (Salina) Eagerton, LaSchea (B) Workman, Justin Hicks, Scott Eagerton, Barry Caulder and his fiancée Danielle, Chase (Beth) Caulder, Mitchell (Shannon) Powell, Ronnie (Kendell) Anderson, Aaron (Kelly) Hopson and Ron II (Misty) Hopson. He took great joy in his twenty three great-grandchildren; Kyle Kennedy, Morgan Kennedy , Samuel Kennedy, Easton Eagerton, Weslynn Caulder, Connor Powell, Kaylie Caulder, Braydon Caulder, Ashton Caulder, Meagan (Dalton) Parker, Tyler Anderson, LaShea (Clay) Phillips, Jacob Schlagenhauf, Courtney Quinn, Aaron Anderson, Jake Anderson, Andrew Pate, Rachel Evans, Drew Workman, Ellis Workman, Alex Hopson, Konnor Hopson, Hardy Hopson, and his seventeen great-great grandchildren; Caden, Lacy, Cam, Kalli, Addilyn, Bradly, Avery, Piper, Paisley, Avery, Bellami , Jayden, Emersyn, Genna, Senora, Natalie and Katie.
Through the years, some of Henry’s favorite times were when he and his siblings gathered for a meal, which was often, a much anticipated fish fry, to reminisce old memories and to make new ones. In recent years, he treasured his visits with his sister, Alice Atkinson, sister-in-law Ruby Caulder both of Orrum, NC, brothers Wilton (Sabrina) Caulder of Orrum, NC, Clarence (Jeanette) Caulder of Fairmont, NC and his beloved nieces and nephews.
A loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Henry enjoyed spending quality time with his family, church family and friends. He cherished the time when family and friends would stop by to visit. He loved sharing stories which usually brought a smile to everyone’s face and often a sweet chuckle. As it came time for their visit to end, Henry would gift them, with a piece of fruit or more times than not, a tomato from one of his many trips to the Farmers Market.
Henry had a special place in his heart for those in need and lent a helping hand whenever he had the opportunity. In his later years, although his steps slowed and often required the aid of a walking cane, Henry would look for little ways to reach out to others and let them know he cared for them.
One of Henry’s favorite memories, that he often shared, was when he and Will Rogers (Vallarie’s Dad), together walked off what would become his and Vallarie’s small acreage homestead in Darlington with only the exchange of a dollar. What would seem just a homestead to some, represented a lifelong loving relationship between Henry, Margaret (Grandma) and Will (Pa) Rogers and their children, Ophelia (Boyce) Todd, William “Buddy” (Dottie) Rogers, Barbara (Bobby) Bryant, Margie (Buddy) Dudley, Joanne (Steve) O’Neal, their children and grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Barry Caulder, Chance Caulder, Mitchell Powell, Scott Eagerton, Ronnie Anderson, and Justin Hicks. Honorary Pallbearers will be his cherished nieces and nephews.
A sincere heartfelt thank you from Henry’s children to the very special family and friends in his life who made time to come to his rescue in so many ways when he needed help; everything from installing a pump motor to cutting grass, to changing a bandage from time to time, to changing out the batteries in his old faithful golf cart, along with many-many other kindnesses. To those who were there for Henry, his love for you and your selfless love for him was a special part of who he was and we will be eternally grateful for the real difference you made in his life.
The family extends heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Scharstein and his staff, for their decade’s long excellent care, and loving support of Henry.
Early in life and shortly after moving to Florence, Henry became a widower with the passing of his first wife, Betty Barnes Caulder, from North Carolina.
The family is at Henry’s beloved home in Darlington.
A celebration of life service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Victory Baptist. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the church.
Henry will be laid to rest at Grove Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Henry’s memory to Victory Baptist Church, 633 West Smith Avenue, Darlington, SC 29532.
Belk Funeral Home of Darlington is assisting the Caulder family.
Messages and photos may be shared with the family by visiting Mr. Caulder’s life tribute page at www.belkfuneralhome.com.