In Loving Memory of Alvin “Al” Caldwell

August 6, 1939 – April 22, 2026

Alvin Ray Caldwell, age 86, of Winnsboro Texas, passed away peacefully from this earthly life into the arms of Jesus at Rock Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Sulphur Springs, Texas in the presence of his loving son Greg.

Born in Gustine, Texas, Alvin was the 13th child of Sam Hardin Caldwell and Clara Flippo Caldwell. After graduation from Cross Plains High School in 1957, Alvin joined the Army Reserves. He married Vondell Golson in January of 1957 and made his home in Abilene. He was employed by McNeese service station where he learned the skills to become a mechanic. His first child, Gregory Lynn Caldwell was born in December of 1958, and a daughter Charlotte Gail Caldwell was born in November of 1962. In the mid 60’s, Alvin went to work for Merchants Motor Lines as a truck mechanic. He had a strong work ethic, which he passed on to his children. Alvin loved people and made many lasting friends while at Merchants. When Merchants closed 1997, he went to work for RL Anderson International where he used his past work experience in the parts department. In April of 1998, Alvin married Lucy Bess Madison and continued to live in Abilene until her death in 2022. In 2023, he moved to Brazoria, Texas to live with his son and daughter-in-law and in 2025, they moved to Winnsboro, Texas where he resided until his illness which led to his move to Rock Creek.

Alvin was a kind, gentle, and humble man who loved his family deeply. During his children’s school years, he could be found at their sporting events cheering them on and was always available to help extended family. He made friends everywhere he went and knew people in grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses by name. During his marriage to Bess, they were members of the Order of the Eastern Star and attended numerous activities and events together. Alvin was a life-long member of the Baptist faith. One of his greatest joys in later years was to meet with the men of First Baptist Church of Brazoria, Texas to drink coffee and solve the world’s problems. He liked to wear his Ranger’s World Series baseball cap to these morning meetings to aggravate all the men who were die-hard Astros fans.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings, Vondell Caldwell, daughter Charlotte Caldwell, and wife Lucy Bess Caldwell. Left to cherish his memory are his son Greg Caldwell (Brenda) of Winnsboro Texas, grandsons Brandon Caldwell (Mary Leigh) of New Braunfels Texas, Derrick Caldwell (Leah) of Amarillo Texas, great-grandchildren Marilyn, Stella, Vivian, Olivia, and Bailey Caldwell.

From the marriage To Bess, survivors include two step-daughters, Audri Rowell of Abilene and Margie Bell and husband Jeff of Clyde; six grandchildren, Jaron Bell, Kortni Casey and husband Will, Taylor Kohler and husband Nathan, Kelci LaBrenz, Morgan Bloodworth and husband John and Banner Bell; great-grandchildren, Greyson, Easton, Harper, Emerson, Amelia, Tye, Emelynn, Silas, Madison, Charlie, Liam and Eli.

Visitation will be at Bailey Howard Funeral Home in Clyde Texas on May 9, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 pm, Clyde Cemetery, Clyde Texas.