Gary "Shorty" Caldwell, 71 of Ravenden, passed from this life on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge. He was born on February 28, 1954, in Tifton, Georgia, to the late J.B. and Betty (Pendarvis) Free. He was united in marriage to Sandra Bushong on February 14, 1981, in Imboden.

Gary was a diesel mechanic for the majority of his life, and proudly served in the United States Army as a mechanic. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at bike rallies and riding his Harley. Gary loved his grandchildren and the joy that they brought him.

In addition to his parents, Gary is preceded in death by his parents, James and Jettie Mae Caldwell, and sister, Judy Hackworth.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, of the home; sons, James (Melissa) Caldwell of Walnut Ridge, and Christopher Caldwell (Stormy Sisco) of Imboden; daughters, Kayla (Eric) Williams of Alabama, Christie (James) O'Quinn of Alabama and Amy Crawford of Walnut Ridge; brothers, William (Deborah) Free of Alabama, and Michael (Minnie) Free of Puerto Rico; sisters, Kay (Joe) Justice of Texas, Ann (Andy) Stovall of Missouri, Sue (Terry) Huguley and Betty Mysyk both of Mississippi, and Becky Pickering of Illinois;19 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, with services immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Frank Casillas will officiate. Interment will follow in Opposition Cemetery in Ravenden under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Eric Williams, James O'Quinn, Billy Powell, Wesley Kelly, James Caldwell, and Christopher Caldwell.

Honorary pallbearers are Paul Propes, Andy Stovall, Joe Justice, William Free, and Renny Propes.