Orrington Caldwell

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13 Affectionately known as "Pete," Orrington Caldwell, after a short illness, departed this life on Saturday March 27, 2021, at the University of Maryland Baltimore/Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, MD. He was the ninth of ten children born to the late George and Lillian Caldwell. He was lovingly raised in a Christian home where he learned strong Christian principles by which he lived. The family moved to "country living" in Anne Arundel County when he was three years old. Orrington was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School system (AACPS) and graduated from Bowie State University in 1968, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a pocket full of cash that he earned as "Bowie's Barber." He delighted for 34 years in teaching, striving to encourage and inspire his middle school students to aspire to achieve the best that life has to offer; to reach beyond what they considered their limits, and to understand that "the choices you make today will determine the outcome of your lives tomorrow. So, choose well." He was "the science teacher" at Solley School (6'h grade), George Fox Middle School, and later at MacArthur Middle School, from which he retired in 2002. After retiring from AACPS, Orrington was employed by the state of Maryland as a Counselor in Work Force Development. There he continued, until his retirement in 2018, to encourage, guide and advise young adults of opportunities for training which would increase their skills and develop the tools they would need for success in the workplace. His final wish was to establish a scholarship foundation to help promising students continue their education by successfully acquiring the financial assistance they need. However, his most longing desire was for "J Days" - special times he would spend teaching, guiding, encouraging and advising his son. A perfectionist in his handiworks, Orrington also paid attention to the aesthetic value of elements in nature. He had an appreciation for personal style and creativity, which was exemplified through his conservative, but fashionable wardrobe and his skill in interior design. He loved county life: "Where when the evening sun went down, everything was covered in blanketing darkness, except the brilliant light of the stars which sometimes seemed to be close enough to just reach up and grab a hand full." He loved to fish; enjoyed the quietness and other treasures in nature; "hanging out" with his two oldest nephews, Rodney and Don, and getting together with his long-time friend, Gilford Parker, and other former classmates. Orrington also became quite a skier and was accepted as a member of the Black Ski Club in Washington, DC Orrington was married to Phyllis Greene, of Annapolis, in May of 1979. From this union there is one adult son, Justin Caldwell, and one grandson, Rhysjuan Turner. He is preceded in death by his loving parents George Caldwell, Sr., and Lillian Caldwell; three sisters, Edith Matthews, (Roy), Mary Thomas, (John), and Martha Dodson, (Ellwood); two brothers, Bernard Caldwell, and Anthony Caldwell,(Cynthia). Orrington leaves to cherish his memory his son, Justin Caldwell and grandson, Rhysjaun Turner, his siblings: George Caldwell, Jr.,(Patricia), Walter Caldwell, Sr., (Beatrice); Lillie Caldwell, (Zeb Atkinson, 3rd); Estella Caldwell Jones, (William); and sister-in-law, Cynthia Hamlett Caldwell, (Anthony); a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends, and his church Family at First Christian Community Church of Annapolis.

Orrington Caldwell

August 13, 1946 - March 27, 2021