Ernest "Calvin" Philbeck

Ernest “Calvin” Philbeck, 69, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, March 03, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born May 23, 1952 in Old Fort to the late Ernest Buford Philbeck and Barbara Jo Turner Philbeck.

Calvin was an electronic engineer for UNC-TV. He was an amateur radio operator who owned the local repeater for McDowell County, and he was also an avid member of the amateur radio club. Calvin was also a well-known musician who traveled everywhere playing his music. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting Killough’s.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tabitha Gibson; and two brothers, Steven Philbeck and Ricky Philbeck.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Hudgins Philbeck; his daughter, Tracy Michelle Philbeck Gibson; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Gibson, Eden Gibson, Furie Benge, and Jamey Benge; and four siblings, Daniel Philbeck, Paul Philbeck, Diane Branch, and Debbie Chippeaux (Mike).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 09, 2022 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service.