George Joseph Callis

George Joseph Callis of Bradenton, Florida, died peacefully on February 11, 2026, at age 87. George is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 62 years, Barbara (Luette) Callis; their daughters, Jennifer (Jeff), Amy, and Rebecca (Chris). Their grandchildren are Catherine (Ned), Tyler, Mackenzie, Hailey, and Dillon, and their great-grandson, Fitzwilliam. He was predeceased by his sister, Susan (Callis) Raabe.

George was born on September 22, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, to George and Dorothy (Murphy) Callis. He grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn Prep. He was a talented multi-sport athlete. He enjoyed an active lifestyle and spent his summers as a camp counselor in the Poconos and as a lifeguard at Breezy Point, NY. George went on to attend Lafayette College on football and baseball scholarships and completed his undergraduate studies at Adelphi University, where he earned a degree in Economics.

In 1957, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for several years, deploying to conflict zones in Lebanon and Laos. His USMC service was formative, instilling a strong sense of duty and a lifelong passion for military tradition and history. During this time, he met Barbara, the love of his life, and they married in 1963.

George’s career at Xerox Corporation spanned several decades. He was at the forefront of marketing at a young company. As the company grew into a large corporation, George’s work took him and his family to many locations along the East Coast, where he developed regional marketing teams and oversaw national accounts, including the U.S. military. George was a gifted mentor and leader. His success was recognized and awarded throughout his career.

George had a distinctive sense of humor, creativity, and loyalty to his family and to those who worked for him. He was an early champion of women in business and raised three daughters to be strong, independent thinkers who pursued their passions, each choosing a different path. He was devoted to Barbara, who kept the ‘home fires burning’ while he frequently traveled across the country and to Japan during his career.

George was an avid Civil War historian who, over his lifetime, amassed a substantial collection of Civil War-era weaponry. Upon retirement, George and Barbara settled in Williamsburg, VA. George taught Civil War courses for many years at the Christopher Wren Society of the College of William and Mary. He also volunteered as a historic interpreter at Jamestown and Yorktown, VA. They spent almost 30 years in Williamsburg, making wonderful friendships and beautiful memories with their children and grandchildren, including many summers at the Outer Banks and Hilton Head. George and Barbara enjoyed many wonderful trips with their friends, from Alaska to Europe and the Caribbean.

More recently, George and Barbara began a new adventure in Bradenton, Florida, on Sarasota Bay, where they became active in their community. George spoke several times at his Veterans Club in Bradenton about the Civil War and the history of the United States Marine Corps.

George was a loyal family man, friend, and colleague. Someone you could always count on, someone you could always laugh with, and who, in his words, loved and lived ‘the rich pageant of life.’ His family was well instructed throughout life to ‘do it right the first time’ (if we didn’t, he lovingly helped us through a challenge) and ‘the path of least resistance is the lazy man’s path…’ (to encourage us to do what’s right, even when it wasn’t the easiest). Although poor health dominated his later years, George lived with a ‘Carpe Diem’ ethos. The twinkle in his eye and his infectious laugh revealed his mischievous charm. We will miss you so. Rest easy.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Kidney Foundation or Affinity Hospice Care are appreciated.