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William Joseph Callaway

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University of Kentucky University of Georgia

William Callaway Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, 2024.

Athens and Greensboro - William ("Bill") Joseph Callaway passed away peacefully at Piedmont Athens Regional on January 19, 2024 after a brief illness, with his family by his side. Bill was born on April 21, 1943 in Eudora, Arkansas to Dr. Joseph Atlee Callaway and Sara Modest (Tullos) Callaway, and was the beloved younger brother to Linda. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, attending Atherton High School and the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation from Ouachita Baptist University, he enlisted in the US Navy. As a pilot serving in Squadron VQ-1, he was stationed in Japan and flew the EC-121 aircraft on dangerous reconnaissance missions in Vietnam. Upon completing his tour, he visited his sister at the University of Georgia and never left.

Bill possessed a relentless work ethic and loved learning. He was an entrepreneur and a visionary who saw potential where others didn't, building custom homes and developing subdivisions in Athens including Georgian Hills, High Ridge, Jennings Mill, and the Villas at Five Points. He was a perfectionist and an early adopter of new products and methodologies, and he held immense pride in building homes with quality materials and innovative touches. Always the businessman, he owned and operated Callaway Realty & Development, Athens Building Supply, Athens Door and Window, Athens Lighting, and Farmer's Hardware.

Bill was an avid Dawgs fan who loved a beautiful day on the golf course with his buddies or with his sons. He was a man of many talents who could build anything with his hands, fix a leak, discuss stock market trends, identify the make/model of any car, or have you in hysterics over one of his infamous stories. He enjoyed documentaries, a good steak, a trip to the casino, and watching sports. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, and he will be dearly missed by them.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Claire, his daughter, Emily, his sons, Cam (Jennifer) and Charlie (Elizabeth), and two grandsons, Declan and Benjamin.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Ryan Blue

February 1, 2024

I am deeply saddened to share the news of Mr. Callaway's passing. He was truly an extraordinary individual. Having known him and his family throughout my entire life, I am at a loss for words to express the immense impact he had on my life and the lives of those around him.

Mr. Callaway's craftsmanship and dedication are evident in the house he built, the very place where countless cherished memories were created with my family. His legacy is woven into the fabric of our shared experiences, and he will be remembered with great fondness and respect.

His absence leaves a void that cannot be easily filled, and he will be profoundly missed. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family during this difficult time.

~Ryan Blue