Mr. Roger Lee Calhoun was born December 28, 1944, in Morgantown, West Virginia, to Eugene and Anna Snow Calhoun. From the very beginning, Roger made history — he was the first African American baby born at the hospital. On March 30th, 2026, at the age of 81, Roger was peacefully called home to be with the Lord.

At some point the Calhoun family moved from West Virginia and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Glenville High School and was awarded a scholarship to an art school for his passion for drawing, though he did not accept the scholarship. He began working at Ford Motor Company (1966) in Detroit, Michigan, eventually transferring to the Brookpark, Ohio location, where he retired in 2007 after 38 years of service. Because he was a “people person,” he knew almost everyone there — and they knew him.

Roger was known as “Sonny” because his mom said he always smiled. He claimed the name and frequently said he had a million-dollar smile that always made him money. He loved to joke around and keep everyone smiling. He had a love for boxing and was a member of the Golden Gloves. He trained his son Roger Jr., his grandson, and his nephews to be competitive through fun and friendly sparring. Roger also loved drawing and frequently sketched works of art. He was known for always dressing very well, wearing bright colors, jewelry, mink coats, and the flashiest shoes. He frequently traveled and owned very nice cars, though he wasn’t known as the best driver.

He enjoyed a good meal and stayed active, whether working out, taking walks outdoors, or spending time at the gym. While we can’t say for sure how much working out actually got done, one thing is certain—he always showed up with a warm smile, often taking on the role of the unofficial greeter, brightening the day of everyone he encountered. Roger joined the church Born Again Ministry, where he attended on a regular basis before becoming ill. However, he still enjoyed services through online viewing.

Roger leaves behind to mourn: Rhonda Smith (Longtime Companion); children – Angela Williams (Charles), Michelle Hibbitt, Tammy Calhoun, Salena Hibbitt, Adrienne Hodge (Alfred IV), Roger Calhoun Jr.; grandchildren – A’Ron Hodge, Alani Hodge, A’Yana Hodge, Kayla Hodge, Justin Hodge, Amara Jester, Ariana Jester, Om’Unique Mothershed, Marchell Hall, Ashley Williams, and Trinity Coleman; great-granddaughter – Aria Spivey. His first wife: Rose Davis. His siblings include: Rosemary Lother, (Calvin), Deborah James, Jerry Calhoun (Alyse), Rebecca Calhoun, and Emanuel Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives Marlene and Crystal; his sisters Geraldine Calhoun and Harriet McCarney; his brother Thomas Calhoun; and his sister Shahidah Haamid. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.