Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.

Rodney (Rod) Wayne Callaway (79) passed away on December 31, 2023 after complications from surgery.
Rodney was born in Searcy Arkansas on March 16, 1944. He was the 2nd of 6 children born to William and Clara Callaway. After high school, Rodney became a police officer before enlisting in the Army. Rodney spent his 20 years in the Army as a pilot and instructor before retiring as a Major. He continued working as a real estate agent and broker in the Atlanta metro area winning many awards and being part of the Million Dollar Club for much of his real estate career.
Rodney fell in love with Cecilia Garcia while he was stationed at Fort Huachuca in Southern Arizona. They were married in 1975 and have been married for 48 years and have two daughters, Celena Brady (45) and Anita Callaway (40). Recently, Rodney discovered that he has two additional daughters, Kellie Townsend (59) and Victoria Steeger (59), whom he had no knowledge of before. Both Kellie and Victoria were adopted into loving families after their birth. Rodney has since reconnected with them and welcomed them into his life with open arms. He was enthusiastic to learn all he could about them and their families. Rodney has eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Rodney was a loving husband, a proud father, and a loyal friend. He was a devoted Christian who consistently attended church and Bible study classes. He always engaged in thoughtful conversations with others about the Bible. He spent time both alone and in groups to deepen his understanding of the Bible and its teachings.
Rodney was an avid gardener with a green thumb, and every summer he grew a garden of juicy tomatoes. He had a soft spot for birds and loved keeping them well-fed in his yard. His family pets adored him and always went to him for food and affection. He was a sociable person who loved to talk with everyone he met, and his conversations were always engaging. Rodney had a great sense of humor and loved to tell Dad jokes that made people laugh out loud. He was a humble and kind person who never hesitated to help his neighbors in need. His absence will be felt by all who knew him.
Services for Rodney will be held on Sunday, January 21 at Cross Pointe Church in the lower level of the seminary building (building 2) located at 1800 Satellite Blvd in Duluth, GA at 3 pm, with a reception to follow. His final resting place will be at Southern Arizona Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Fort Huachuca AZ. The service day and time are TBD.
Georgia Cremation in Duluth assisted the family with arrangements.
Annie Artrip says
Rodney was my older brother and told me that I wouldn’t catch him. I loved him and will miss him, as will anyone who knew him.
Tommie Cooper says
Rodney was my uncle. As a young child, I remember visiting Rodney & Cecilia in California. Always admired him & he was an inspiration to me to join & serve in the military. He will always be lived & missed.
Sheryl Pettaway says
I’ve never had the honor of meeting Mr. Rodney, but just hearing his daughter Anita talk about him, I knew he was a gem of a man. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone he touched with his presence and heart ❤️
Harold Koon says
Mr. Callaway’s daughter Anita is my caretaker for quite a few years, I’ve never met him in person but knowing Anita Mr. Callaway was a great man that loved his family from all the great things she spoke of him. I send my Sincere Sympathy to his whole family.
Kristy Tyler says
I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Callaway and family. However, Anita Rodney’s daughter was the caregiver for my mother who suffered with Alzheimer’s and is the caregiver for my stepfather at present. We will always be grateful for her. Mr. & Mrs. Callaway surely raised a very caring and respectful daughter. We wish you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Kristy Tyler and family
Larry Garland says
Rod was a good friend of mine and we shared many books and many breakfasts together. We were greeters at Sugarloaf Community Church in our early church years. Rod reminded me of our meeting in Vietnam in 1970. He will be missed, just on a higher plane now.
Luther Laveaux says
I met Rod briefly.
Four years+ was too short of a timeframe to be around such a smart and decent person.
I loved Rod a lot.
He will be missed.
Yolanda Arroyo says
I saw Rod every Sunday on Zoom as we all enjoyed Gary Ockwell’s class. Several times he would catch me eating toast or something and would make a whispered comment that, I think, only I heard, and I would chuckle.
I will miss his sweet, humble and kind words as he shared his knowledge of God’s Word, and often very funny observations as we all commented on the crazy state of our world. He shared his love of Jesus with all of us. I am grateful I got to know him and will miss him very much.
Carmelo (Petey) Arroyo says
Rod was a good friend. I remember asking him advice on how to deal with the VA. He gave me some good advice. He will truly be missed.
Leanne Roberts-Elza says
Rodney Callaway will be missed dearly. Anita his daughter has been my best friend for 25 years. He raised her into the most genuine, caring, empathetic person, always taking care of others. My twins adored Rodney, they were always welcome and he always had something kind to say to them. There are no words to say just how profound his loss is, affecting those that love him dearly. I pray that his love of the Lord and teachings to his family will provide them comfort during this time. My heart, prayers, and positive thoughts go out to his entire family, especially his daughters and wife. He was their rock.