Calvin Tilden Shinn Jr., 98, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Born August 13, 1924, he was the son of the late CT and Bertie Shinn.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his five siblings, Paul and Clyde Shinn, Lois Sigmon, Bertie Masters, and Ruth Shinn.

He is survived by his wife of almost 79 years, Lorene Oliphant Shinn; son Terry Shinn (Cynthia); daughter Cindy Pardew (Terry); five grandchildren, Kristin Faulkner (Travis), Amy Smith (Tim), Bo Shinn (Gina), Abby Ott (Daniel), and Anna Whisenant (Kyle); and thirteen great-grandchildren, Tanner Smith, Raleigh Faulkner, Kalli Faulkner, Landis Smith, Benjamin Ott, Luke Faulkner, Myers Ott, Ava Whisenant, Lucy Wren Faulkner, Nora Jane Ott, Maisie Whisenant, Hunter Shinn, and Tyler Shinn.

A devoted husband, World War II Army Veteran, and retired accountant, he was an astute businessman with a heart for those less fortunate. His daily Bible time was important to him, and he lived out what he was learning in how he cared for others. He was known for his skills in the kitchen, whipping up scrambled eggs, grits, mush, pancakes, mashed potatoes, gravy, or his famous milkshakes, as well as the advice he freely gave. Some of his favorites were “If in doubt, don’t,” “Quit while you’re ahead,” “Don’t keep score,” and “Pray about it.” From hosting regular sleepovers to building them a playhouse and teaching them to drive, his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Living long enough to be a GREAT grandfather was a bonus he treasured as well.

The family would like to give special thanks to VA Home Based Primary Care in Salisbury (especially Sharon), NC State Veterans Home in Salisbury (especially Mercy), and in-home caregivers Glenda, Donna, Mona, and Betty.

Funeral services with military honors will be held at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home on Monday, May 15, at 11 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial at St. James Episcopal Church Cemetery will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center (1601 Brenner Avenue, Voluntary Services, Building 6 Room 110, Salisbury, NC 28144) or the American Cancer Society.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Shinn family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.