Calvin Ray Burleson PhD
April 29, 1935 - July 18, 2015

We would love to tell you the story of our dad, Dr. Calvin (Cal) Ray Burleson who left this earthly home and went to his Heavenly home on July 18, 2015 at the age of 80. Dad was tall in stature and in spirit and truly cared for his fellow man. And boy did he love the games of football and basketball!

Born in Albemarle, NC on April 29, 1935, he was the son of Wilcie Poplin and Howard Burleson and these young years were full of many family challenges. At the age of 11, he entered The Barium Springs Presbyterian Orphanage near Statesville, NC where he worked hard, played hard, and thrived. He lovingly considered Barium as his home and the children there as his brothers and sisters. If you meet a Barium Alumni from that time period, they share such an incredible bond with each other and are also among the strongest, hardworking people you can have the pleasure to meet.

Dad met a fellow "scrub orphan" named Mel Morrison who attended school at Barium but lived with his parents, Robert and Nellie near the campus. The two boys instantly became lifelong friends, true brothers and dad was "adopted" into this loving family; he will be buried at their family plot at Perth Cemetery in Troutman, NC.

Dad served in the US Army along with Mel from 1954-1960 during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged as Corporal, taking the GI bill to help pursue his dream of playing college football and getting his education degree at Appalachian State Teachers' College on academic and athletic scholarships. His drive to excel in football propelled him to being elected Co-Captain for two years along side Jack White as well as earning All-Conference, All-State and Little All American.