By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer | katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
With contagious energy and conviction, 90-year-old Rev. Carrol William Caldwell remains steadfast in his commitment to uplifting others and driving progress within the community.
Born on June 24, 1933, and a lifelong resident of Spartanburg County, Reverend Caldwell has dedicated his life to serving different counties as a Southern Baptist Bi-Vocational minister for an admirable sixty-four years.
Following his graduation from Cross Anchor High School in 1951, Reverend Caldwell embarked upon a thriving career in the textile industry, culminating in his position as a Senior Designer at Milliken Research Center before retiring. Embodying the values of service and sacrifice, he also dedicated six transformative years to the Army National Guard, shaping himself into an inspiring force for positive change.
His first pastoral assignment was at Harmony Baptist Church, Fountain Inn, SC., in the early 1960s. Reverend Caldwell is widely recognized as the pioneering pastor of Cavins Baptist Church in Woodruff, South Carolina. He retired from Cavins in 2004 and is currently the esteemed Pastor of Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, located in Cross Keys, South Carolina, where he has served for the past twenty years. During his ministry, he has officiated 2,460 funerals to date.
Rev Caldwell’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified through his involvement in organizations both past and present to include the current Chaplain of Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary and Lifetime Member of Cavins Masonic Lodge #226. He has been a guiding light as a former Chaplain for both the Woodruff Police Department, Hejaz Shrine, and other organizations. His Former leadership roles include Boy Scout Master, Ruritan President, Board Chairman of Hobbysville Fire District, and Moderator of Woodruff Baptist Association, just to name a few.
He has been widely recognized for his exceptional achievements and contributions, receiving many prestigious awards and distinctive honors most notably The Order of the Palmetto, in 2023, which is the highest civilian recognition given in the state of South Carolina and The Order of the Silver Crescent in 2009, which is the state’s highest award for volunteer and community service; both awarded by the Governor of South Carolina.
Reverend Caldwell dedicates his days to visiting the sick and conducting devotional services at various local nursing homes. Despite his hectic schedule, he maximizes his limited spare time by enjoying deer hunting. Reverend Caldwell boasts an impressive array of familial titles, including husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. When asked about his secret to staying physically and mentally fit, he shared that focusing on “believing tomorrow is going to be better than today,” is what motivates him daily.
Rev. Caldwell’s commitment to the ministry and the community is a testament to his extraordinary faith and leadership. He remains steadfast in his duties, spreading hope and guidance wherever he goes.
Author: Tracy Sanders
