Calvin Virgie Gettis, also affectionately known as “Sugarman” by family and friends, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, January 28, 2025 at the age of 71. He died after a long bout of sickness. 

Calvin was born on November 15, 1953 in Aberdeen, MS to Virgie and Laverne Gettis. He was a graduate of Aberdeen High School. While living in Mississippi he was a faithful member of the Okolona Sunrise Church of God of Prophecy in Okolona, MS. He was employed by Hickory Springs Manufacturer Company in Mississippi for 5 years prior to moving to Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Calvin worked for Hickory Springs in Cleveland, TN for 35 more years. He retired from Hickory Springs in Cleveland, TN in April of 2019 with a total of 40 years with that company. Upon moving to Cleveland, TN in 1984, a few months later he married Doris Jean Henderson and gained a step-son, Christopher A. Henderson. Calvin and Doris were blessed with a son borned to them, Jonathan Thomas Gettis.

Calvin was a very active member of his  local Church, the Wildwood Church of God of Prophecy, where he  attended, worked and served faithfully. Calvin loved going to Church, and helping others when he could. He served in many positions at the Church. Calvin loved to cook, and was very good at it. He loved his family, and worked whole-heartedly to take care of them. Calvin was a very good friend to many, and will be greatly missed. Calvin was released from his earthly duties on January 28, 2025.

Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Virgie Lee and Laverne Gettis. Both sets of grandparents, Calvin and Luvenia Clopton, Lee Bell and Emma Roberson; nephews, Gerald Gettis, Jermaine Ware and sister-in-law, Tammy Henderson.

Calvin leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 40 years, Doris J. Gettis; his sons, Jonathan T. Gettis and Christopher A. Henderson; his grandson, Elijah Christopher Berry; his siblings, Elaine Ware, Doris (Willie) Poe, Barbara (Donell) Page, Emma Gunn, Anthony Gettis, Denise (Lamar) Herron, Arlene Roberson, Pauline Wright and Carlos Gettis. A host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends, and his Wildwood Church Family.