Raymond Earl Callahan, Sr.

03-24-1946 to 04-30-2023

Raymond Earl Callahan, Sr. aka “Callie,” 77 years young, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 24, 1946. He departed Sunday, April 30, 2023 at his home.

Graduated from Austin High School in 1965 and later attended Knoxville Business College. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Employed at X-10 Plant, Oak Ridge as a Janitor, Security Guard, and finally as a Supervisor for Grounds and Maintenance; He owned and operated a successful janitorial service for over 35 years.

He was Christened at Logan Temple AME Zion Church as a baby. Later he joined Redemption Church International and finally united with Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church; faithfully serving as Door Greeter, Custodian and Trustee Board Member. Whatever needed to be done, he was willing to do. He loved the Lord and wanted to make the Church beautiful in every way.

A year after high school graduation, he married the love of his life, Emma Benton. They were married for 56 years, 4 months and 7 days. They were inseparable and loved each other completely. To this union, they had children, Kelly Yvonne and Raymond Jr. and they gave him wonderful grandchildren, Cameron Taye Mason and Briella Rae Callahan.

Callie was the best at the grill. He was known for his ribs, smoked bologna, and pig feet. He was always generous with his grilled foods, sending you home with at least a slab of ribs. He loved gardening, planting vegetables and flowers and always willing to share with others.

Preceded in death by parents, Virginia Callahan Squire, Mingo Squire, and Palmer Lyons; grandmother, Mary Lyons; in-laws, Aaron and Rossie Benton; brother-in-law, Aaron Benton Jr.; sister, Gail Lyons Montgomery.

Survived by loving wife, Emma; children, Kelly and Raymond Jr. (Tamika); sisters, Angela Bridges, Joyce L. Dixson, Ivy (Clifford) Goethe; brothers, Donald Lyons, Van Lyons, and Kenneth Lyons; sisters and brother-in-law, Jackie (Melvin Sr.) Boykins, Christine Benton; grandchildren, Cameron Mason and Briella Callahan; nephews and nieces, Walter Bridges, Anthony Bridges, Hasene (Benita) Boykins, Melvin Boykins Jr., David (Angel) Dixson, Michael Lyons, Mekhi Andrade, BJ Benton; Dr. Cynthia (James) Shelton, Kenlesia Reynolds, Jykarta Boykins, Ebony (Wayne) Bird, Brittany Wrushen, CeCe Benton, Shauna Davis; many cousins and friends to include, Neal, Reid, DuBose, and Rosalyn (Granny Roz) Jackson families; wonderful neighbors: Sue King, Paul and Lisa Mahan, David and Carolyn Latham, Clarence McDowell, and Rita and Claudia. Special friends, Teal Fulford, Sara Kristy, Joyce Atchley, Elder Joe B Maddox, Quality Care Team, Tabernacle Baptist Family and Dr. David Chism and staff.

Family will receive friends, 5:30-6:00 p.m., Thursday May 4, 2023 at Tabernacle Baptist Church; funeral service, 6:00 p.m., Rev. Vincent Jones Jr., Officiating.

Entombment, 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway.)