Jacky Ray Callaway

There's no way around grief and loss: you can dodge all you want, but sooner or later you just have to go into it, through it, and, hopefully, come out the other side. The world you find there will never be the same as the world you left. - Johnny Cash

Obituary

Jacky Ray Callaway, loving Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, faithful and loyal friend, and one of the toughest guys you ever knew passed away peacefully the morning of October 19, 2026.  He was born to Harold Jackson Callaway and Edwina Catherine (Collins) Callaway on August 28, 1953 in Sherveport, LA. He will be greatly missed by his family and his friends.  He is survived by his wife Tammy Callaway; children Bobby & Lori Callaway, Sharon & Johnny Dunlap, and Josh Burnett; his cherished grandchildren Caiti Dunlap, Jackson Callaway, Madelyn Callaway, and Lola Callaway.

Jacky is also survived by his siblings: Sandy & J.R. Nation, Cynthia & Frank Daniels, and Tim Callaway. He was preceded in death by his older brother Dusty (Harold) Callaway and younger brother Gary Callaway.

He appreciated brevity when it came to matters of the heart so we will honor him by keeping it short and sweet. He loved his family and strived in his way to show that love as often as he could.  He was a proud grandad and his spirit would brighten when he was with his grandkids. If you were a special person to him he never, ever, forgot your birthday and you could look forward to that call every year from him asking if you felt any older. He was a defender of those in need: friends, family, and animals. He never missed a day of work.  He was a direct, forthright person who told you exaclty what was on his mind.

He was a proud vertan of the United States Army where he enllisted at 18 and served in Korea and Germany where he was a tank commander on the M551A1 Sheridan, an amored reconnaissance vehicle, and then later on the M60A1. Jacky took an interest in his troops and cared for them greatly. Those who served with him remember him as a demanding leader but also a good friend and mentor. He was proud of his service and a Patriot! 

He loved to fish, ride motorcycles, and be with his family.  He was also an incredible pencil sketch artist. He liked rock n roll and country music.  Some of his favorite artist were Johnny Cash, George Jones, Elvis Presley, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, and Janice Joplin.  He liked the original Star Trek series and movies, and even watched the reality TV show "Survivor".  He was a loyal Dallas Cowboy fan even though they continually disappointed him.

The passing of Jacky leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Gallery

Memory wall

October 20, 2026

It was an honor and privilege to have served with Jack. I was assigned to 3rd platoon C Troop 3rd Squadron 12th Cavalry where I met Jack. One of the memories that I have about Jack is when he asked about my birth date. I told him it's August 28th, and I could see the bewilderment and a grin on his face.
That's because he and I had the same birth date.
Through the years we stayed in touch Through phone calls, especially on OUR birthday. Jack was a very dear friend to me and I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family.

John Boy

John Jarosz (John Boy)

October 20, 2026

I remember Jack’s kindness. He (and Tammy) were a tremendous support to my young daughter and I when I lost my husband (Tammy’s cousin Garry), in 2005. Jack and Tammy opened their home to us, over a very cold Christmas. They gave the space and time I needed to make important decisions for my daughter and I. Jack worked on my car, repairing the heating unit and replacing the radio/CD player; so that when it was time to leave, I could do so safely.. My best memories are of the many UNO games we all played and the laughs Jack and Tammy gave me during a period of profound grief.
Much love Jack. Rest in peace. Xx

Sandra Clements

October 20, 2026

Some pictures of Papa.

Caiti Dunlap

October 20, 2026

I had the distinct honor of commanding C Troop, 3d Squadron Cavalry, 3d Armored Division in Buedingen, Germany. I was eternally blessed to have a troop of great Soldiers and Jacky was one of my junior leaders who I could always depend upon. Being in the Army in the immediate aftermath of Vietnam was not easy, but it was through the caring and leadership like that of Sergeant Callaway that our Army was reborn. It could never have happened without the courage and leadership of our young NCOs. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow comrades of Jacky. He will be missed but his service to our Nation will not be forgotten.

Robert Spidel

October 20, 2026

I served with Jacky Ray in Germany, C Troop 3/12 Cavalry. Jacky Ray was definitely one of the many highlights of my service. i remember Jacky Ray as strong and compassionate leader, who i was also proud to call my friend.....even though its been years, I will miss you my friend....Until the Green

Jeff Robinson

October 20, 2026

I have many good memories with Dad. Like the time I busted out the headlight on his pontiac grandprix with a baseball when I was learning to throw. He liked telling that story.

There was also the time where I tied his bobtail delivery truck to the dock and forgot to untie it before we drove off. When he pulled away we heard a boom and metal cracking from the inside frame being torn out. Oops. Yes! He was mad.

Or the time where we were practicing my Karate kicks in the front yard and... well... let's just say he got hurt, and I learned to be more careful about where I was kicking.

Dad taught me how to fish, how to sharpen a knife, how to drive a car and a fork lift, and how to mow. He taught me to say "Sir" and "Ma'm" and to open the door for a lady.

He taught me how to swim the old school way "sink or swim". He taught me to never quite, how to stand up to bullies and most things a young men needs to know.

He always made it a point to tell me he was proud and that I could achieve whatever I really wanted to in life. There were some hard times and some good and I am glad I got to call him Dad. I love him very much and miss him. I am also a litte ticked. He left too soon, but he did it his way.

Bobby Callaway

Family tree

Harold Callaway

Edwina Colllins Callaway

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Jacky Callaway

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