Raymond Earl Callahan
03/24/1946 – 04/30/2023
Obituary for Raymond Earl Callahan
RAYMOND EARL CALLAHAN
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.)
Arrangements by, JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY
www.jarniganandson.com
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Receiving of Friends
Thursday May 4, 2023
5:30-6:00 p.m
Tabernacle Baptist Church
2137 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Funeral Service
Thursday May 4, 2023
6:00 p.m
Tabernacle Baptist Church
2137 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Entombment
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
2:00 p.m
Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway.)
2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
SERVICE LOCATION
GRAVESIDE LOCATION
Emma sorry to hear of Raymond passing praying for you and your childrens and rest of family. He will be missed very much. May God comfort and keep you all during this time my friend.
Mr. Callahan was always the best and nicest to me when I would come visit and shoot basketball with Raymond Jr. My prayers are with his family during this time. He will be missed.
Emma and family,
So many people loved Raymond. The joy he brought through his laughter, the food he cooked and delivered, and the work for his community and church will be greatly missed and mourned. So many years ago your family embraced us as new neighbors and always made us feel welcome. You fed our bellies and nourished our hearts. Your entire family is dear to our hearts. We pray daily that Gods love surrounds you and lifts you up.
Emma so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband Raymond May God continue Holding you and your family in His Mighty Hands. Blessings and Prayers sent up for your entire Family, Take care.
Emma,
We are praying for comfort and peace for you and your family. Raymond will be greatly missed. May the Lord bring you that peace and comfort that can only come from above.
Dear Eamma So sorry for your Lost. Joann Debro Rutherford
To: The family of, Raymond Callahan. Emma, Kelly and Raymond, Jr. Francis and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our prayers during this time of bereavement. I am thankful for our friendship. You were great neighbors and friends. I just read Raymond’s obituary I the paper.
Raymond, R.I.P.
We are sending you our love and prayers during this difficult time. Raymond will surely be missed. We love you all!
– Willie, Sadie, and Donnell Harris
Louise Dubose (Frenchie&Chris)
Emma so sorry I could not be with you, send my love to you and the family
Emma, we prayerfully extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
As you journey along this season of bereavement, rest in the assurance that you are accompanied by the presence of the ultimate Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Himself.
Love and Blessings.