Walter Igean Calfee

Walter Igean Calfee, 87, a lifelong resident of the Cleveland and Charleston area was welcomed to Heaven by his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth, on December 2, 2019. Igean was a quiet, steadfast man who lived the life that he loved as a dairy farmer.

 He joined the FFA in 1945 and won the East Tennessee Dairy Efficiency Award and was elected to the State Farmer Degree. He served as sentinel, vice president and the president of the Charleston chapter. He received the American Farmer Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA. Igean and Mary Elizabeth started dairy farming soon after their marriage with a small dairy farm with 15 head of cattle in the Michigan Avenue area. With hard work, planning, faith in God, and determination they succeeded in expanding and moving their farm operation to the Hiwassee River Valley. Igean’s mind and heart was always focused on taking care of his crops and cows, honoring God, and caring for his family. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, joined Michigan Avenue Baptist Church in 1957 and were contributing members there and at Tasso Baptist Church until their passing. When not working, Igean enjoyed driving through his fields, watching his crops grow, and silently enjoying the sounds of God’s creation while resting at the river. His legacy and work ethic lives on in his farming family as they continue to care for the farms.

After embracing his Savior, Jesus Christ, he was reunited with his parents, James Walter and Sarah Belle Zora Dyke Calfee. Surrounding him also, were his brothers and sisters, Veola, James Ivan, Halcie Calfee Holcomb, Verdia Calfee Longwith, Exie Calfee Rodgers, Jimmy and Virgil. His memory will be honored by his three sons, Ray (Sylvia), Rex (Kim), and Ron (Laura, deceased); grandchildren: Austin, Anita, Chessa Calfee Frazier, Shanna, Karra Calfee Horick, Becca, and Miranda and great granddaughter, Scarlett; and sisters, Ruth Calfee Cartwright and Roxie Calfee (Henry) Wyatt.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in the chapel of Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Wallen officiating.

Interment will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with David Calfee, Nick Calfee, Austin Calfee, Timmy Horick, Travis Hudson, and Henry Wyatt, II serving as pallbearers.

His family will receive friends from 4:00-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the service.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Michigan Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund, 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Calfee family guestbook at www.fikefh.com