Luther Edward Callender Jr.

Lee Callender, 81, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away on August 29, 2025.

Born on March 15, 1944, in Brevard, NC, Lee lived a life defined by faith, resilience, hard work and deep devotion to his family. He graduated from Brevard High School in 1962 and later attended Brevard College before relocating to Atlanta, where he and his wife, Jane, made their home. He began his career working for the Bell System for 15 years before following his passion for craftsmanship, founding J&M Specialty, his custom woodworking company. Known for his remarkable skill, Lee could build anything you could imagine. He used those skills to mentor several students throughout his life. After closing his beloved company, he ended his career as a successful realtor.

At just eight years old, Lee survived polio, losing the use of his left arm, yet he never saw it as a handicap. He could do more with one arm than most can with two. Instead of using his "handicap" as an excuse, he met life's challenges with courage and determination, later surviving cancer with the same resilience.

Lee was a charter member of Brookwood Baptist Church, where he not only nurtured his faith, but also helped build the church from the ground up. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved all animals and nature. As a childhood Boy Scout, he gained a passion for hunting and fishing that followed him throughout his life. In his spare time, he enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. But above all, he cherished his family-his greatest joy and proudest legacy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Jane Callender; daughter, Melinda Vallotton and her husband Mike Vallotton; sister, Marilyn Gilbreath (Ken) and grandchildren, Ethan Vallotton, Joel Vallotton (Salem), Kaitlyn Vallotton and Eve Vallotton. Lee was preceded in death by his father, L. E. Callender, mother, Marie Callender and sister, Sandra Cook.

As a strong and loving man who consistently went above and beyond for others, Lee's legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the traditions he passed down, and the love he gave so freely. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will continue to bring comfort and joy to those who knew him.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, September 6th at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, 120 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770-963-2411) – Lawrenceville Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.