Johnny Acle Callaway

Johnny Callaway of Statesville, formally from Ronda, passed away September 4, 2016 at Wake Forest Baptist Health.

Johnny was born January 14, 1949 to Buddy and Ann Callaway; married to his wife of 46 years Judy Martin Callaway. He served in the US Navy during Vietnam and retired from NC Department of Correction. Johnny was a member of South River Baptist Church in Statesville and was previously a member of Ronda Baptist Tabernacle, where he served as a deacon. He was saved in 1971 at Charity Hill Baptist Church, Thurmond.

Johnny was a member of American Legion Post #65 in Statesville. He was a founding member of The Foster Parent Association of Wilkes where he served several terms as President. Over the past 30 years, Johnny and Judy have provided a loving home for 56 children whose families were temporarily unable to care for them. His calling in life was to protect and provide, not only for his family, but for innocent children who needed a hero. Rita Ayers and Adam Brown have always held a special place in his heart.

He is survived in death by his wife Judy; Daughter Misty Shelton Bennett and husband Brad Bennett; Daughter Sabrina Bosley and husband TJ; Grandchildren, who were the loves of his life, Emma Shelton, Evan Shelton, and Trevor Bosley, all of Statesville; Parents Buddy and Ann Callaway; Sister Judy Cavanagh and husband Jeff of St. Petersburg, Florida; Brother Jim Callaway and wife Dawn, of Taylors, SC; Brother Wayne Lyles, who was not a biological brother, but a brother never the less, of State Road; Brother-in-law Bobby Martin and wife, Alma of Ronda; Sisters-in-law Betty Blackburn and husband Marvin of North Wilkesboro; Faye Sparks and husband Donald of Boomer; Jenny Lyles and husband Wayne of State Road; Molly Carter and husband Rex of Ronda; Multiple nieces, nephews and friends that he considered family.

Johnny is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Mother-in-law Frances Martin Durham, who he loved as a mother and who loved him as a son; Son-in-law Craig Shelton; Sister-in-law Carol Martin Sparks.

Johnny enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Yadkin Bass Anglers, but more than anything, he loved his family. Nothing was more important than providing and protecting those he loved.

A memorial service will be held at Elkin Funeral Service Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., with receiving of friends and family at 1:00 p.m. Dr. Chris Thompson and Dr. Marvin Blackburn will conduct the service. Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at Ronda Cemetery following the memorial service.

The family would like to thank the staff of IMC at Wake Forest Baptist Health for their care.