Calvin Bernard Hamrick

Calvin Bernard Hamrick, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, at Caro Mont Health in Gastonia, North Carolina. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia on September 14, 1952, Calvin was a pillar of strength and compassion to all who knew him. Calvin was the cherished son of Charles Frederick and Virginia Norris, who predeceased him, along with his son, Calvin B. Hamrick II; grandmother, Sarah Hamrick Black (affectionately known as Ma Sarah); his Aunt Lula M. Watkins (Aunt Woo); sister, Deborah Coleman; and nephew, Tirand Norris. He leaves behind a loving family including his brother, Charles Connell Norris, Jr., of Shelby; sister-in-laws, Mary Woodyard of Gastonia and Pamela Harris; nephews, Nicolas Bernard Norris, Sr. (and fiancée Kim Vaz), Kenneth Harris, Brandon Foster, and Cameron Woodyard; nieces, Sarah Coleman and Jennifer Harris Shadoin (Troy); and his great-nephew, Tristan Shadoin, and great-niece, Noah Shadoin. An alumnus of Shelby High School, Calvin furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a Juris Doctorate from Golden State Law School in San Francisco, California. His dedication to justice and public service began in 1977, when he embarked on his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Gaston County. His unyielding commitment to justice earned him the position of lead District Attorney in 1986, a role he held with distinction until 1990. Calvin's career spanned over 48 years as a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar, during which he established a successful private law practice serving Gaston, Cleveland, and surrounding counties. His professional relationships with District and Superior Court Judges, fellow attorneys, and courthouse staff were marked by mutual respect and admiration. Calvin was instrumental in founding the Gaston County Community Penalties Program in 1988 alongside State Senator Helen Rhyne Marvin and Senior Superior Court Judge Robert Kirby. This initiative, later renamed the Alternative Community Penalties Program, Inc., was designed to address prison overcrowding and reduce taxpayer burdens by providing alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders. Beyond his professional achievements, Calvin was an avid golfer and cherished the camaraderie and joy the sport brought him. Known for his loyal friendships and a genuine willingness to help others, Calvin touched the lives of many with his kindness and integrity. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Calvin's life will be held on July 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 914 Frederick Street, Shelby, NC 28150. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Calvin's memory. Calvin Bernard Hamrick's remarkable life and legacy of service will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him. His spirit will forever be a guiding light to those he leaves behind.