Calvin Ray Burleson, Ph.D. BARIUM SPRINGS, N.C. - We would love to tell you the story of our dad, Dr. Calvin "Cal" Ray Burleson who left this earthly home and went to his Heavenly home on July 18, 2015 at the age of 80. Dad was tall in stature and in spirit and truly cared for his fellow man. And boy did he love the games of football and basketball! Born in Albemarle, NC, on April 29, 1935, he was the son of Wilcie Poplin and Howard Burleson and these young years were full of many family challenges. At the age of 11, he entered The Barium Springs Presbyterian Orphanage near Statesville, NC, where he worked hard, played hard, and thrived. He lovingly considered Barium as his home and the children there as his brothers and sisters. If you meet a Barium Alumni from that time period, they share such an incredible bond with each other and are also among the strongest, hardworking people you can have the pleasure to meet. Dad met a fellow "scrub orphan" named Mel Morrison who attended school at Barium but lived with his parents, Robert and Nellie near the campus. The two boys instantly became lifelong friends, true brothers and dad was "adopted" into this loving family; he will be buried at their family plot at Perth Cemetery in Troutman, NC. Dad served in the US Army along with Mel from 1954-1956 and was Honorably Discharged as Corporal, taking the GI bill to help pursue his dream of playing college football and getting his education degree at Appalachian State Teachers' College on academic and athletic scholarships. His drive to excel in football propelled him to being elected Co-Captain for two years along side Jack White as well as earning All-Conference, All-State and Little All American. Graduating in 1960 he began his career as an educator and coach at Rock Hill High School where he was named S.C. Basketball Coach of the Year in 1961. He also served as assistant Coach of the football team and while an assistant Principal there, he received his Masters Degree in Administration from Appalachian. From 1966-1973 dad served as Principal of Rock Hill during the time of Integration and he was honored as the Jaycees S.C., Outstanding Young Educator of the Year in 1971. In 1973 the family moved to Columbia, SC, for dad to serve as Chief Supervisor of Accreditation for the SC State Department of Education where he worked until his semi-retirement in 1991. While there he received his Doctoral degree from the University of South -  If you graduated from S.C. public schools in the 1980's chances are that dad signed your diploma! During his working career he was an official high school basketball referee, served as adjunct professor at Winthrop College and USC, and served or chaired many committees and boards including the S.C. High School League, the National Association of State Directors of Secondary Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Dad was so humble in spirit and he would not have cared for this "bragging" about his extensive resume but we wanted it officially recorded for his legacy to follow and to show others that when the odds are stacked against you as a child, great things can follow if you have drive, determination and Faith. Dad had an infectious personality and those that knew him describe him as tenderhearted, caring, tenaciously stubborn but a man who was devoted as a true friend often pulling for the "underdog." He was first married to JoAnn Shoup Burleson from 1959 to 1983 and then Robin Cox Burleson from 1985 to 1990 both of whom lovingly survive him. The absolute joys of his life were his children and grandchildren and he is survived by all of us: Dr. Kristin Burleson Strange and husband Brian of Charlotte and Kelly Rhyne Burleson as well as Calvin "Andrew" Burleson both of Columbia. His three grands are Bennett, Audrey and Coleman Strange. His 'brother' Mel lives in the Atlanta area with his wife Pat. Another brother, Cecil Burleson, predeceased him. A dear friend, Myrna Dixon in 2006 penned a personal memoir of dad's life entitled, I've Been Lucky which is reflective of a life lived of perseverance, strength and gratitude in the face of many adversities. Good-bye for now dad what a life you have lived! A true celebration of his life will take place at Little Joe's Chapel - (107 Grannis Lane, Troutman/Statesville, NC) on the grounds of Barium Springs now called Children's Hope Alliance on Saturday, August 8th at 1:00 p.m. with graveside committal in Perth Cemetery in Troutman to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Barium Springs Children's Hope Alliance, PO Box 1, Barium Springs, NC 28010 to help enhance the life of children facing challenges in and around North Carolina. Arrangements are in the care of McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel. Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=calvin-ray-burleson-cal&pid=175369873&fhid=9004#sthash.G02ATRJl.dpuf