William Leonard Calhoun

William Leonard Calhoun Jr. was born at John Wesley Hospital in Los Angeles, CA on December 14, 1957, to William Leonard Calhoun Sr. and Betty Jean Nash. What a bundle of joy! Many of his family and friends know him as “Ronchie,” others knew him as “Tex” or “Will.”

William attended John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles, CA. He also completed three and a half years at California State Fullerton University where he studied English Literature, Philosophy, and African American Studies. He endeavored to teach African American Studies.  

He met his devoted wife and lifelong partner of close to fifty years, Wanda Antrinette Dillamar Calhoun in 1975.  From the moment they met, Wanda knew he was hers and in June 1976, their son Nathaniel George Calhoun was born. William and Wanda married on March 14, 1981 and their daughter Malissa Marlese Calhoun was born in October 1982.  

For 24 years, William worked as a bus driver for RTD/MTA. He and Wanda bought their first home and proudly raised their family in Compton, CA. They were long time committed members of Macedonia Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Elder Jerome Fletcher.  After retirement, William moved to Mabelvale, AR where he resided for the last 20 years until his passing on March 13, 2024.

William was a loving and supportive husband, a stern and protective father, an excellent provider, a doting grandfather and great grandfather, a pillar of a deacon, and a “miracle” as his family lovingly and affectionately called him.

William Calhoun was preceded in death by his father William L. Calhoun Sr., mother, Betty Jean Calhoun, brother James (Michael) Calhoun, sister Marlo Jones Devine, Uncle Joseph McCoy Sr., and cousin Douglas Jones.

William leaves to cherish his memory his wife Wanda Calhoun of Little Rock, AR, his son Nathaniel Calhoun (wife Candice) of Little Rock, AR, his daughter Melissa Eaton (husband Michael) of Lancaster, CA, his sister, Beverly Calhoun, his brother Anthony Calhoun, Ten grandchildren: Natalie Calhoun, Lauren Calhoun, Camille Calhoun, Hailey Calhoun, Anaya Eaton, Mariah Brown, Josiah Eaton, Nathaniel G. Calhoun, Jr., Michael Eaton Jr., Kae’Ly Eaton, One great grandchild: Khail Calhoun and host of nieces, nephews, and family and friends. 

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