William Calloway, Jr. was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 20, 1947, to the late Mr. and Mrs. William (Mary Bell) Calloway. After a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease, William passed away peacefully, on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him dearly. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Ralph Calloway and Harold (sister-in-law, Claudia) Calloway and sister, Barbara Curry.
William met the love of his life, Margaret Woods, in 1972 and in September 1974, William, Jr. and Margaret took vows “For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…till death us do part.” They did not stray from their vows. They were wonderfully blessed with two handsome God-fearing young men.
William attended Howard High School where he was a member of the Howard Marching 100s band. He graduated from Howard in the class of 1966 and continued his education at Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. William assumed work responsibilities and was the keeper of his home. In 1999, after 20 years of service, he retired from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) where he was a Training Specialist. He continued working another 10 years at La-Z-Boy. He was a hands-on father who enjoyed watching his boys in sports. Music was his passion, especially gospel music. During retirement he remained vibrant and active. Daily trips to the Y and early morning walks with his beloved wife were a source of joy. He became an avid fan of crime TV, especially enjoying Law & Order. He also cherished spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, celebrating their milestones with pride.
William was rooted and grounded in the church and was a dedicated and faithful servant of the Lord. He was a former member of Westside Baptist Church and joined Orchard Knob in 1994, where he was regular in attendance and an active and faithful member until his health declined. He served as an usher, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School teacher and student. He was a member of the Brotherhood Ministry and Trustee Ministry where he was the former Chairman. He also maintained an active role in the community through his membership with Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Mr. Calloway leaves precious memories with wife, Margaret; two sons, Wes (Iantha) Calloway of New Market, Al., and Brandon Calloway of Chattanooga; two granddaughters, Camille and Carmen Calloway both of New Market, Al.; brother, Tyrone (Christola) Calloway of Chattanooga; uncle, Herbert Green of Chattanooga; sisters-in law, Pearline Rice (Levoy) of Huntsville, Al., Christine Ferguson of Tazewell, Va., Gladys (Kenneth) Erskine of Huntsville, Al., Betty (Reverend Tyrus) Chislom of Chattanooga, and Letha Woods of Hermitage, Tn.; brothers-in law, Albert Woods of Rochester Hills, MI and Ronnie (Kathy) Woods of Semmens, Al.; devoted friends, Bernard and Deborah Sparks, Brenda Taylor, Diane Hicks, Mike and Linda Gnaster; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
WELL DONE!
Public viewing will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at John Franklin Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 23, at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. Interment: will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.