USMC MSGT Ret. John Nelson Calkins

USMC Master Gunnery Sgt. Retired John Nelson Calkins, 93, of Supply, NC passed away in Marietta, GA, following a lengthy decline in health.

Born in Cayuga County, New York, on October 16, 1932, John was a son of the late Walter “Stubby” Calkins and Barbara Purdy Calkins. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Barbara Jean Calkins, a sister, Jean White and a brother, Richard “Dick” Calkins.

John and his wife Barbara, moved to Supply in 1995 and became very active in numerous local organizations. He was a member of the Shallotte Loyal order of Moose and served in several roles. John reached a higher degree within the Loyal order of Moose, known as Moose Legion.  He was a Life Member of the VFW, and served as Commander for the Baldwinsville, NY VFW.  

John is a 21 year retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps.While in the Marine Corps, he started as a jet mechanic and was stationed in Cherry Point for many years. He served in Korea and Vietnam. John managed the night flight line in Da Nang, Vietnam  as the senior enlisted NCO and was proud to have earned a Bronze Star while serving there.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing and farming on his family land. He enthusiastically participated in Skeeters Walleye Tournament, which was held on Oneida Lake or the Saint Lawrence River in Cornwall, Canada. Bass fishing on Moon Lake was a common family vacation event.

Surviving are a son, Martin Calkins and wife Beverly of Marietta, GA; a daughter, Cynthia “Cindy Jo” Peaden and husband Paul of Boiling Spring Lakes, NC; three grandchildren, Matthew Gural, Tyler Calkins and Ashley Peaden.

Funeral services will be held in the Brunswick Island Baptist Church, at  2:00 PM, on Friday, February 6, 2026, with full military honors.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM, and 6:00 until 8:00 PM in the Brunswick Islands Baptist Church.

Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com