Calvin Carter was born on June 29, 1933, in Bonham, Texas, to parents, Abner Carter and Velma Chaffin Carter. He had two sisters, Jestina Ingram and Norma Jean Hunt, and one brother, H.D. Harris, all whom preceded him in death. Calvin was raised by Leroy Chaffin, Sr. and Oneatha Chaffin (his uncle and aunt) and became another brother to Marie Burton, Helen McConnell, Willie Juvel Shaw, Beaulah Chaffin, Joanne Bizor, Rose Murlene Phillips, Betty Cross, Mertyle "Myrte" Alberty, sister-in-law, Doris Chaffin (Charles), Leroy Chaffin, Jr. (Doris), Porter Chaffin, Sr., Wayne Chaffin (Sue), Wesley Chaffin (Devoice), and Estella Person (Bobby).
Calvin confessed his love for God at an early age, united with New Jerusalem Baptist Church Of Telephone, Texas. He was a dedicated member of Trinitarian Christian Church under Sr. Pastor George Barnes of Dallas, Texas where he served as a deacon.
In 2008 Calvin and Alice Carter were wed and were blessed with two lights in their lives, Marsha Coleman-Pipkins and Angela Carter, whom he loved with all his heart as his own.