Eugene Ray "Gene" Callaway

Eugene Ray Callaway, fondly known as “Gene”, of McAllen, TX passed from this life on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the age of 96 years at the Freddie Gonzalez Texas Veterans Home in McAllen. Gene was born on November 8, 1928 in McCamey, Texas, to parents Ray Callaway and Ruth Ledbetter. Gene had one sister, Helen Kay Verrino and one brother, Donald Callaway. Gene married Virginia L. Griffin in El Dorado, Kansas on January 3, 1951, and together they had two sons, Michael Eugene Callaway and Patrick Lee Callaway. They were married until Virginia’s death on February 4, 2023 for 72 years. Gene served his country at the U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Norfolk, Virginia, from July 22, 1948 until July 19, 1951, and was appointed Construction Electrician’s Mate Third Class with the Amphibious Construction Battalion Two, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia, on April 16, 1952, and was a “Sea Bee”. After discharge from the Navy, Gene continued his work as an electrician and also worked for Lance distributing their products to stores in the Rio Grande Valley. Gene loved construction work and assisted with renovations in homes in McAllen that he and Virginia purchased. He also loved to fish and spent many weekends when younger wade fishing in the Bay at South Padre Island. Gene was a Deacon and an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, Texas for over 50 years. Gene and Virginia ministered to Calvary Baptist church in numerous ways over the 50 years, including in the “Callaway Kitchen”. Gene was also active in the mission field for several years, traveling to Mexico and Costa Rico spreading Gods word to many people. He will be sorely missed! Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Callaway and Ruth Ledbetter, his wife, Virginia L. Callaway, sister, Helen Kay Verrino, grandson, Jay J. Callaway and great-grandchild, Samuel J. Callaway. His is survived by his brother, Donald Callaway, sons Michael Eugene Callaway and wife, Lois Kathleen Callaway, and Patrick Lee Callaway and partner, Brenda Clem; grandchildren, Kat Callaway and partner, Shannon Goeman, Kristi Lea Rogers and husband, Steven A. Rogers; Evelyn Callaway; Kevin Michael Callaway and wife, Melissa Callaway, and Dr. Daniel Lee Callaway; great grandchildren Avery Lea Rogers and partner, Casey Niblett, Ava Lea Callaway, Kacie Jae (Stevie) Rogers, Owen Wyatt J. Callaway and Brady George Kevin Callaway. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 A.M.on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, Texas. Graveside Service will follow at 2:00pm at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 S. Inspiration Road in Mission, Texas, where the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #8788 will provide Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valley Baptist Retreat, 3700 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen, Texas 78550. Arrangements are under the personal care of the professionals at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen, Texas.

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Eugene Ray "Gene" Callaway

February 22, 2025