Father Elbert R. Callis

Father Elbert R. Callis, a beloved and faithful Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 5, 2025, at Ave Maria Home in Bartlett, Tennessee.
Born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1934, Father Callis lived a full and generous life of service to God and others. Before discerning his Priestly Vocation, he worked as an Accountant for Exxon Mobil. In 1976, he responded to God's call and was ordained a Priest for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, beginning a ministry marked by humility, perseverance, and a quiet but powerful witness to Christ's love.
Father Callis served in several parishes across the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, where he was especially known for his deep compassion for the sick and suffering. In every assignment, he lived his Priesthood not as a career but as a lifelong offering of love. His final active ministry was as Chaplain at Saint Francis Hospital, where he walked the halls daily--bringing Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and Spiritual Counsel to countless patients. His Priestly presence in hospital rooms was, for many, a tangible sign of God's mercy and love.
In 2010, Father Callis retired and moved into the Diocesan Residence for Retired Priests, where he continued to live a life of prayer and gentle service until June 2023, when he took residence at Ave Maria Home. There he remained until his death, remembered for his kindness, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering faith.
Father Callis is mourned by the Clergy and faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, and by all who were blessed to know him. He lived the Gospel he preached, quietly and faithfully, and he died as he lived: in the peace of Christ, whom he served so lovingly.
Visitation of Father Callis will be on Wednesday, May 14, from 10:00am-10:45am at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central Ave., Memphis. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 14, at 11:00am at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with burial immediately following at the Historic Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1663 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis.
Please remember Father Callis in your prayers. As he so often prayed for the sick and the dying, may he now intercede for us from his place of rest in the Lord.
Cemetery Details
Calvary Cemetery
1663 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38106 Previous Events
Visitation
MAY 14. 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (CT)
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
1695 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Funeral Mass
MAY 14. 11:00 AM (CT)
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
1695 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Father, please visit our Tree Store.