GLADEWATER MEMORIAL PARK - UPSHUR COUNTY


GLADEWATER — Services for Billy Ray Callaway, 81, of Gladewater, will be 11 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Gladewater, with Bro. Bailey Harris officiating. Interment will follow the service in Gladewater Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas. Billy joined his Heavenly Father Tuesday, November 11, 2014. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Billy Ray Callaway was born July 28, 1933, in Bardwell, Texas, to Roy and Pearl Callaway. Moving to White Oak, Texas, at an early age, he attended White Oak schools where he was a member of the football and basketball teams. Billy was an alumnus of Kilgore Junior College and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Billy served in the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division in Germany from 1954-1956. He returned to work for Texas Eastman in the Electrical and Maintenance Department and late as an Instructor. Billy retired after 36 years with Texas Eastman.

Billy is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Patsy Bortzfield Callaway. They have two sons, Douglas Ray Callaway and Randall Jay Callaway. They also have four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Billy was an active member and Deacon in the First Baptist Church in Gladewater, Texas, where he taught youth programs as well as the Adult Men’s Sunday school. Billy and Patsy were blessed in their many travels all over the world where they witnessed much of God’s majestic handiwork.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church.