Calvin Whit Smith was born on May 1, 1954, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, to the late Monroe Smith and the late Essie W. Smith. He was educated in the Spartanburg County school system and was a proud graduate of Chapman High School, Class of 1971. At an early age, Calvin accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Calvin had a deep love for football and was an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders. He worked as a truck driver for many years and was also musically inclined, sharing his gift as a member of the Rock of Ages of Wellford, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Monroe Smith, Jr.; his sisters, Bertha Whyte, Shirley Wilkins, and Marzellar Melvin; and his brother, Minister Mack M. Wilkins.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Kelvin (Jackie) McLean of Spartanburg, South Carolina; his sister, Sylvia Cope of Spartanburg, South Carolina; his sister-in-law, Sarah Wilkins of Newark, New Jersey; his aunt, Ernestine Pates of Washington, D.C.; nine grandchildren; and  a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.