William F. Callaway III

William F. "Wild Bill" Callaway III, 68, was born in San Luis Obispo to Elvina (Mazza) and William F. "Cab" Callaway Sr., and passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 24, 2011, with his family by his side. Bill was the fourth generation of the original Callaway family that settled in the Irish Hills, and fifth generation of the Swiss-Italian Mazza family that settled on the Leland Terrace Hill in San Luis. He loved fire engines from the time he could speak. Every time he heard a siren, he would run to the window of his home over-looking San Luis and look for the smoke. As he grew older, he would jump on his bike and ride down to Station No. 1 on Pismo St. to see how he could "help out" the firefighters. They usually gave him some small task to keep him busy. In 1961, Bill''s dream became a reality when the City of San Luis Obispo hired him as a firefighter. Bill was the youngest man in the state of California to have been hired by a city fire department. In 1965, Bill was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain, and retired as the rank of a Battalion Chief. He was also the acting interim Fire Chief several times for the City of San Luis Obispo. Bill was always negotiating with the city for the benefits and rights of his fellow Firefighters. He was a devoted and active member even after he retired with the California State Firemen''s Association, where he taught contract negotiations to many other Firefighters. He attended State Firemen''s conferences to work to improve fire personnel rights and benefits. Bill led numerous strike teams and fought wildland fires as well as some historic fires in our county. Bill was an entrepreneur and originator of Candy Cane Lane Christmas Trees, Wild Bill''s Western B.B.Q., and Wild Billy Wong''s Restaurant. He catered for over 35 years for many organizations along with weddings, anniversaries, funerals and political parties. Bill was active in the Moose, Eagles, and Exchange clubs and held the office of Governor for the SLO Moose lodge. He was active with his children in F.F.A. and Edna 4-H clubs, and spent many hours assisting the judges and kids with their animals at the Mid-State Fair. Bill had a heart of gold and always helped people in need. Whether it was money, food, work, or a place to stay, he always found a way to help out. Bill is survived by his two children, Shawn and Katie Chaney (Ray); four grandchildren Sierra, Derrik, Autumn and Emily; brother, Robert "Bob;" and nephew, Bobby Callaway. Viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a vigil service Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at Reis Family Mortuary Chapel, 991 Nipomo St. in San Luis Obispo. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday August 4, 2011, at the Old Mission Church. A Fireman''s processional will follow to the burial at San Luis Cemetery, with a reception in conclusion. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Bill''s name to the Seagrave Restoration Account, "The History Center of SLO County," 696 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; or your favorite charity. Reis Family Mortuary 544-7400 San Luis Obispo