Calvin M. Cryer, Jr., 77, of Wildwood, died Wednesday, May 27, 2015. He was born on September 10, 1937, in Zavalla, to Willie Mae Herring Cryer and Calvin M. Cryer, Sr. Calvin served in the United States Army National Reserve and was Honorably Discharged in 1962. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason of Myrta Lodge #658 AF&AM Masonic Lodge in Warren and a member of the Scottish Rite.
Upon his discharge from the service, Calvin was in the wholesale florist business in California shipping products all over the world. People always wondered why he made all the bows for the Cryer household Christmas tree each and every year. This explains it!
Calvin worked as a heavy-equipment operator for various construction companies in Beaumont, and proudly showed his family different parking lots and/or foundations that he had helped install throughout the area. In the early '70's in partnership with his brother George, the Cryer Construction Company was born.
Cryer Construction moved into Wildwood in 1975 to help build roads and clear lots for the development of what is now Wildwood Resort City. Calvin spent endless hours working on the golf course building the second nine hole course, which is now the Front-Nine, to compliment the already present first nine holes--now the Back-Nine. If the truth were know, probably 90% of the cleared land in Wildwood is thanks to Calvin Cryer.
Wildwood was not only his place of business but it was where he found his soul mate in Gina Brandon Cryer; they were married in December 1982 and from that day forward formed a union through eternity.
In 1989 the thrill of working overseas beckoned Calvin and Gina to travel to Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and France where he worked with Robert Trent Jones building golf courses in those countries. Co-workers said that even though there was a language barrier, he mastered them all with a look, a point and a grin which everyone respected and they all worked hard for him. He epitomized an American Texan bigger than life. Calvin was always quick to tell you that he built golf courses and "never played a round in my life!"
Moving back to Wildwood in 1991, Calvin began working as the Supervisor for the Maintenance, Water, Sewer & Golf Course Departments. He was the "go-to man" in just about all areas of the community. As Wildwood grew and additional staff was hired, Calvin was named the Superintendent-Maintenance & Water Department until his retirement in 2012. Calvin was always admired for his strong work ethic who was quick to give honest advice when asked. He was a friend to all and was always nice, sincere and a gentlemen.
Survivors include his wife, Gina Cryer; children, Calvin M. Cryer, III of Hardin; Missy Cryer Ballard of Evadale; Melinda Strnard and her husband, Joe, of Arkansas; Melanie Jones and her husband, Steve, of Granbury; and Megan Mayeux of Arkansas; he was blessed with fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, George Cryer and his wife, Mary, of Zavalla; and sister, Raynell Sansom and her husband, Steve, of Gilmer. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Carson; and brother-in-law, Willie Dale Carson.
A gathering of Mr. Cryer’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Wildwood Baptist Church, 92 Cypress Drive, (Wildwood) Village Mills, under the direction of Broussard’s, Silsbee. His interment will follow at Village Mills Cemetery, Village Mills.
The family thanks Dr. Arfeen, Dr. Stout and their staffs, and Advantage Plus Home Health Care for Calvin's care and for their support to the family. The nursing staff at Baptist Hospital in the ER and 3Trinity were so caring and literally lifesavers so many times. Gentiva Hospice-Jasper made it possible for Calvin to remain at home. All of these angels will be in our hearts forever. Finally, we are so grateful to his special angel Sadie who cared for him and made hot biscuits which he ate even if he wasn't hungry.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 172, Village Mills, TX 77663.
