William "Bill" Randall Graves Calmes

Bill came into this world in New Orleans on November 6th, 1940 and left this world to be with his heavenly Father on March 26th, 2021, having been on this earth for 80 years.  

Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy “Dottie” Victoria Jackson Calmes, and eight children; four daughters and their spouses: Rose & Dave Forrester; Donna & Paul Driver, Colleen Crain and, Karen Mooney; four sons and their spouses: Keith & Carmen Calmes, Brian & Kathy Calmes, Mark Byers and John & Julie Byers; fifteen grandchildren and their spouses, and twelve great-grandchildren; fourteen brothers and sisters and their spouses.  Bill was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses.  

Bill is preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph & Lela Bankston Calmes, and George & Rosa Schiro Milone; parents William Arthur Graves Calmes Sr & Frances Davis Calmes Maille, and Austin & Carmela “Emily” Milone Brown, first wife Retha Colburn Calmes, son Paul David Byers, grandson Andrew Forrester, brothers William Arthur Graves Calmes II and Hoagy Michael Brown, brother-in-law Dominick Tortorich and sister-in-law Toni Brown.  

Bill would like to be remembered as one who loved the Lord and did his best to love others.  His favorite Bible passage is:  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:13b-14).  

A visitation will be held at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401, on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, beginning at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The visitation will continue the following day, Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at the funeral home, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM. Reverend David Buss will be conducting the service.

Interment will follow at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, Hammond, Louisiana.

Face masks are now mandatory to attend any visitation or service at the funeral home. Thank you for your cooperation.