George Callaway

George M. Callaway, age 87, of New Castle, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Glen Oaks Health Campus. He was born November 12, 1922 in Bibb County, Macon, Georgia. He was the son of George Washington and Molly Belle Callaway. After the pre-mature death of his parents, for several years he was raised in Hephzibah Children’s Home in Macon.

He attended Lanier High School in Macon and left school early to the join the army. He attended New Castle Chrysler High School and received his diploma from Lanier High School in Macon, May 2003. He joined the US Army November 4, 1941, serving in Europe with the famous 3rd infantry. He was the youngest First Sgt. in the army at that time. He was discharged August 3, 1945 as a disabled veteran. He was awarded several medals, including Good Conduct Medal, European Theater of Operations, and Combat Infantry Badge.

In August 1943, he married Helen Louise Holcomb, to whom he was married for 66 years. He was a member of the Ninth Street Wesleyan Church (now Memorial Wesleyan) for 64 years. He served as church treasurer for 52 years, Sunday School Superintended 23 years, was the teacher of Keystone class for 22 years. He was also vice-chairman of the Church Board of Administration for 20 years. He supervised the building of and managed the local Cable TV System from which he retired in December 1992. He was awarded the 5th Annual Visions Award by the Indiana Cable Telecommunications Association. He was a life member of the New Castle Breakfast Optimist Club, having served as president and Lt Governor. He had perfect attendance for 49 years. He served on the Board of the Salvation Army for several years and was a member of the Henry County Community Foundation. He was a Life member of the VFW and American Legion. He and his wife loved to travel throughout the US and many other countries. They took their grandchildren on many vacations. He was a true optimist, enjoyed whistling, and loved people. He dearly loved his family and was very proud of them.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons, G. Richard (Tina) of Cicero, IN and Dr. Robert E. (Sheree) of Athens, TN; a grandson, Matthew L. (Carla) of Chattanooga, TN; three granddaughters, Stacy White (Kenn) of Holly Springs, NC, Stephanie Callaway, PsyD., of Chicago, IL and Courtney (Alex) Thompson of Indianapolis, three great granddaughters, Lauren Callaway of Chattanooga, TN and Sydney and Sophia White of Holly Springs, NC; sisters-in-law, Nida Callaway and Billie Holcomb, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann; his brother, James; his parents, three half sisters and one half-brother and Ralph Holcomb, brother-in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Memorial Wesleyan Church in New Castle with Pastor Paul Kirk and Reverend Glen Rainey officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion and the VFW. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2010 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the Memorial Wesleyan Church or the Hephzibah Children’s Home with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.hinsey-brown.com .