Gerald “Jerry” Layne Callaway, 91, passed from this life into his heavenly home on August 7th, 2025. He was born on September 2nd,1933 in Abilene, Texas to Belle Hollingshead Callaway and Harrison “Ted” Callaway, the first of 3 children.
Jerry wore many proverbial hats. To some, he was a teacher or a mentor, always ready to impart wisdom or advice. To his colleagues and friends, he was a hoot, always ready with a story or a joke and a helping hand. To his church, he was a pillar, always willing to give of his time, talents and resources. To his family, he was a rock and seemingly fearless leader. To his wife of 60 years, he was the love of her life, the breakfast chef and her best friend. To his kids and their families, he was a source of wisdom, a sounding board, an encourager and supporter. To the Lord, he is loved and redeemed with the heart of a servant.
Jerry grew up mostly in Texas with a short stent in an Arizona goldmining town. His family settled back at their homeplace in Clyde, Texas where he attended school. Following his graduation from Clyde High School, he spent the next fourteen years working in industry as a machinist and welder, for such companies as Western Electric, General Dynamics, Automation Industries and National Electric and Manufacturing. After several years, he felt the Lord call him to share his experience and knowledge within the world of public education. He pursued his own education and certifications at various universities including Texas A&M, Texas University, East Texas State, Abilene Christian University and Howard Payne University. He taught Metal Trades at Dennison High School in the late sixties where he was selected as the most outstanding Vocational Trade and Industrial teacher in Texas. In the Fall of 1968, he began teaching Metal Trades at Brownwood High School, eventually retiring after 22 years of being a Brownwood Lion.
In 1963, Jerry went on a blind date and met the woman who would become his wife. He married Linda Fay Smith on July 17th, 1965, at Calvary Baptist Church where they remain members. Together, they raised a family, taught in public education, and served the Lord and their community. They were quite the team, and Linda was Jerry’s biggest supporter. They loved each other well.
Jerry had many interests and made it a point to stay active. He had love of the Rocky Mountains. Since their summers were free, the Callaways would pack up and head to their own little piece of Colorado in a place called Platoro. Summers were spent breathing in the cool mountain air, trout fishing, hiking, elk-watching, playing 42 and spending time together. In his spare time, Jerry raised registered Brangus Cattle on his beloved Bar C Ranch. For a short time, he also raised emus. In addition, he held positions as President and charter member of the Family Bassmasters Bass Club, taught Sunday School at Calvary Baptist Church, was a member of the bowling league, a member of the Southwest Football Officials Association and in his later years, took joy in being a Gideon and sharing the word of God with others.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Belle and Ted Callaway, one sister Ruth Alene Callaway and his daughter Sherry Lynn Callaway Hale Scott.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Callaway of Brownwood, Texas, son, Brian Callaway and wife Mandy of Early, Texas, his daughter Renee’ Callaway Brown and husband Terry of Coleman, Texas, brother, Dan Callaway and wife, Sharon of Pflugerville, Texas, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home, Early, Texas on Sunday, August 10th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, Brownwood, Texas on Monday, August 11th at 10:00 am. A private family burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park, Early, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jerry’s name to two causes he was passionate about: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or Operation Christmas Child at Calvary Baptist Church, Brownwood. Condolences, memories, and tributes can be shared with the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com
