Calyer Anon David Jr.

Celebrating the Life of Calyer Anon David Jr.

Calyer Anon was born on January 6th, 1967, at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to Calyer Anon Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Merrifield) David. He was the youngest of three siblings, one of two born to this union. Since there were two Calyer’s in the house, he was affectionately called “Little Cal” as a youngster, and later just Cal. Calyer’s parents preceded him in death, as did his eldest sibling, Michael James Anderson.

Cal was born and raised on the south side of Chicago in what was then called Princeton Park Holmes. Cal’s father, endearingly called Dave, was the maintenance manager while his mother stayed home to care for the three children. Princeton Park was a very close knit community where several of Mary’s siblings and their families also lived. This allowed Cal to have full range of the community to play and afforded a short walk to Charles Richard Drew Elementary school, absolving his parents fear for his safety. However, Cal’s dad took ILL while he was in grade school and passed before he went on to Middle School at Frank L. Gillespie, and thereafter to George W. Carver High School.

Cal’s mother eventually gained employment to assist in the financial care for the family, leaving Cal under the care of trusted neighbors, relatives and the eagle eye of his sister. But when school was out for summer his mom would send him to Muncie Indiana to visit with the “David” family. He also participated in summer camps not too far from Illinois. When Cal was not visiting the David family or attending camp, he loved to play with the neighborhood children no matter how old or young. He also loved to visit some of the elders where he would often sit and talk with them and of course do one of his favorite things, eat soul food with them, then indulge in a little mischief!

Cal didn’t have just one mother. His sister Martha, lovingly known as Mardi, only five years his elder, took excellent care of him while their mother was at work and even when she came home. Cal was her first baby, the little one that she fiercely protected then and forever more. He looked to her for guidance until his last days on earth.

Cal’s mother introduced him and Mardi to God at an early age by taking them to Unity Christ Temple Church, then on to Greater Metropolitan Baptist Church where he was baptized. He later visited various churches but did not find one to call his home. In between Unity and Greater Metropolitan, he frequented and found solace at St. Thaddeus Church where his late uncle Frank Taylor attended. Cal loved the Lord, the fellowship and singing, and of course hanging out with friends after church before an outing or program.

Cal just like Calyer Sr. had a knack for fixing and assembling things. His initial desire was to become a Truck Driver. If you know him you should know that he loved to take road trips. Nonetheless, he gravitated to jobs where he could use his hands, manage property, and fix issues in homes and on the land. Whatever you needed fixed, or couldn't possibly assemble yourself he was the man to call. Folks trusted him to get the job done well. He was self-taught using that inherited gene from his dad. We guess that’s why he tore Mardi’s dolls and toys up, took household items and electronics apart; even set things on fire, until his mom would threaten to spank or punish him. It didn’t matter, threats and evenwhippings and punishment did not deter him from what he was doing. Hence, he was appropriately labeled “Cal the Builder”.

Cal’s quick wit, larger than life smile, warm disposition, and all around friendly personality made people embrace him as a friend, brother, son, nephew, uncle and yes, even an extended dad. Although he had two biological siblings and a host of cousins and friends he added to his family with extended siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and godparents. Cal loved to cook, loved food and music, loved to skate, bowl, and swim, take road trips, help the elderly, and loved his Chicago sports. “Bear down Chicago Bears - Let’s GO!” Stopping by your house for a good meal (with a bag full of leftovers to carry out) was right up his alley. But what Cal wanted to do most was check in on his family, friends and those in need.

Cal met his love, Parmella Walker at his sister’s party six years ago. After walking her to her car, he never left her side. He began talking about preparations to tie that knot not too long after their relationship became serious. Parmella was his TRUE love, along with her family which included her son, mother, father and the rest of the Walkers. Parmella often said her family preferred hanging out with him over her ��. Cal had that kind of effect o just about everyone he met. He was the one everyone wanted around. “Parmella, you were the woman Cal needed in his life. You kept him grounded as much as anyone could. Thank you for loving him unconditionally.”

Cal was called home to be with the Lord on June 5th, 2025, after what was determined to be a sudden heart attack. He passed peacefully knowing that God was there to usher him into eternity. He was undoubtedly welcomed with the loving arms of our beloved ancestors who have gone ahead.

Cal leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Martha Dianna Williams (Carl), and true love, Parmella Walker (Jerry, son); his adopted daughter, Alicia Reynolds; his nephew and nibling, Jeremiah Nathaniel Williams, and Jordan Alexander Williams, and a host of loving relatives and friends.