Otis Henry Callaway

Otis Henry Callaway, age 86, of Washington, passed away peacefully at his home on December 31, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born on December 31, 1939, Otis was a lifelong resident of Wilkes County. He was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great pride in his family and community.

Otis devoted over ten years to serving on the Wilkes County Board of Education, a cause he cared deeply about. A farmer throughout his life, he truly enjoyed every aspect of the farming lifestyle and was a longtime member of the Young Farmers organization. He was also employed for many years at Concord Fabrics and later retired from Anthony Forest Products.

A man of strong and unshakable faith, Otis was a dedicated deacon at Mallorysville Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed following baseball games and attending calf shows in which his grandson participated.

Otis was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Pat Callaway; a son, Stanley Callaway; his father, Thomas Callaway; his mother, Nellie Callaway; and numerous brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his son, Brian Callaway, and wife Tonya; his grandson, Greg Callaway, and wife Madeline; twin great-granddaughters, Ali and Lily Callaway, all of Washington; two sisters, Evelyn Bridges of Carlton, Georgia, and Ella Neil Mines of Union Point, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ed Norman, Randy Ogletree, Gordon Brown, Justin Callaway, Bill Burdette, and Ed Burdette III.

Honorary pallbearers include the deacons of Mallorysville Baptist Church: Joe Burton, Leon Aycock, Ralph Denard, Neil Wilson, Mark Hammond, and David Slaton; other honorary pallbearers are Greg Armour, Eric Holton, Tom Callaway, Doug Holder, and Tracy Armour.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, at 3:00 PM at Hopkins Funeral Home, with Rev. Barry McAvoy officiating, and the family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mallorysville Baptist Church, c/o Kelly Echols, 1018 Martin Echols Road, Rayle, Georgia 30660.