Calvin Nolan, 83, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026, at Langdale Hospice House, surrounded by members of his loving family. Born on November 16, 1942, in Valdosta, Calvin was a lifelong resident of the community he proudly called home. He was the son of Clinton and Virginia Nolan and a graduate of Lowndes County High School. One of seven children, Calvin grew up surrounded by family and carried those family ties and values with him throughout his life.

Calvin was a fun-loving man who never needed much of a reason to bring people together. He loved hosting friends and family at every opportunity, and he had a special gift for making people feel welcome. A fantastic cook, he believed there was always room for one more at the table and that good food was even better when shared with good company.

For more than thirty years, Calvin and his brothers, Bubba and David, hosted what became one of the best-known tailgates in town for Valdosta State University Blazers football games. The Saturday tailgates were about football, friendship and community.

Calvin was also a longtime member of the Valdosta Elks Lodge, where he served his community in many ways. He served as Club Manager for more than five years and was honored as Member of the Year for 2013–2014. He took great pride in giving back to the community where he was born and raised and believed in the importance of helping others.

When he wasn't spending time with family and friends, Calvin could often be found doing one of the things he loved most: fishing. He treasured the time spent with his buddies at White Water Fishing Club and especially enjoyed helping host the weekly Thursday fish fry, where friends gathered for lunch, conversation, and fellowship. Those Thursdays were a reflection of Calvin's love of friendship and fellowship.

Calvin was a member of First Christian Church, where he always felt welcomed and part of a family. His faith was personal and deeply important to him, providing a meaningful foundation throughout his life. More than anything, Calvin loved his family. His wife of 53 years, Lynn, was his lifelong partner and best friend.

They loved traveling together, whether heading to the beach or escaping to the mountains, and were rarely apart. Their love for one another was evident to everyone who knew them throughout their marriage. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were also his greatest joy. He cherished the time he spent with them and took great pride in the family they built together.

Calvin is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Lynn Nolan; his children, Lisa Wellman Nolan Ruffino and her husband, Tom; Nick Nolan and his wife, Rachel; Dennis Nolan and his wife, Pat; Pete Nolan and his wife, Tammy; and Kevin Nolan and his wife, Roz. He was also the proud grandfather of Brian, Nicholas, Katie, Josh, Matt, Casey, Jacob, Devin, Connor, Nicole, Tiffany, Brittney, Mason, Ryan, Brady, and Ian, and great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, David Nolan and his wife, Donna; and Bubba Nolan and his wife, Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Wellman; his brothers, Lloyd Nolan and Benny Nolan; and his sisters, Martha Fender and Susan McLeod.

Calvin leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, generosity, and community. He was a proud Valdosta native who loved his hometown, but the greatest measure of his life will always be the family and friendships he built along the way. He will be remembered for his welcoming spirit, his wonderful cooking, his generosity, and the countless memories made around his table.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service for Calvin will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will visit on Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the local Valdosta Elks Lodge 728, www.elks.org. Online condolences may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for the Nolan family.