Calvin Butler Nikazy Obituary
Calvin Butler Nikazy, passed away January 15, 2024 at the age of 85 in Frisco, TX.
He was born July 12, 1938 in Mars Hill, NC and grew up mostly around Elizabethton, TN. He lived in Jacksonville, FL for over 40 years, then in Frisco 11 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Nikazy and Vera Sheets Nikazy and two brothers-in-law, Raymond Smith and Jim Mosman.
Cal leaves behind his loving wife Jonni, his only daughter, Gwen, son-in-law, Lorenzo, and his two amazing grandchildren Ryan and Kate. Sharing in the sorrow of his passing are his brothers and sisters, Eddie (Peggy), Helen, Irene, and Steve (Sherri), sisters-in-law Luster and Pat, and many nieces and nephews. He was especially proud of his family history, and brought together relatives from Seattle, the Philippines, and Hungary.
Cal graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1957. He joined the Air Force and served 5 years, because his tour was extended due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Then he worked his way through two years of college in Kissimmee, FL. He joined the Navy to get training as an avionics technician. He served 2 tours on aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War, first on the USS Constellation, then on the USS Ranger. After the military, he worked 22 years as an aviation electronics technician and computer programmer for the Federal Civil Service at NAS Jacksonville.
Cal was always active! Over the years he enjoyed biking, running marathons and doing karate. He grew a vegetable garden every year and mastered the art of bonsai trees. He proudly won blue ribbons for wine making. After retiring, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity (Habijax), building houses alongside other volunteers that even included former President Jimmy Carter on more than one occasion. He also volunteered for Community Hospice of Jacksonville. He had his own handyman business for several years. Cal enjoyed fixing everything! He enjoyed travel to foreign countries. In 2012 he and his wife permanently relocated to Frisco. He doted on his pugs Chewey and Ginger. For his 80th birthday he went skydiving!
After suffering complications from heart surgery in December, he passed peacefully after contracting Covid. His wish was not to have a big service when he passed. He told family someday he wanted his ashes to go soaring off the side of Roan Mountain. When his friends and family see that mountain, know that he will be there.
