Bennie Lee Callaham,Sr.

A Celebration of Love For Bennie L. Callaham, Sr. Bennie Lee Callaham, Sr., was born January 30, 1948 in Richmond Virginia to the late Charlie and Ellen Callaham. He is preceded in death by his son; Bennie L. Callaham, Jr. Bennie departed this earthly life on Saturday, August 24, 2013. As a child, he was reared in a Christian home and his later years attended St. Paul's Baptist Church. He was the youngest of eight children. Then he was a proud on Armstrong “Wild Cat” High School graduate (1966) and a longtime reunion committee member. He attended Norfolk State University, Kittrell College (NC) and J. S. Reynolds Community College. Bennie joined the Richmond Fire Department (1969) until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in (1970). At the end of his tour of service, he returned to the Fire Department to pursue his career and further became the Fire Marshall within the Richmond Fire Department. His most treasured accomplishment was graduating in the 2nd Class of Black Fireman. After retiring from the fire department, Bennie accepted a position with the Henrico Public Schools. He mentored students of Virginia Randolph High School for as long as his health would permit. Bennie, a quiet “statue of a man” married his longtime friend and sweetheart, Lavern on February 12th, 2010. Bennie was a wonderful and marvelous husband, a life partner, her confidante and her “sweetie pie”! He was a sensitive and romantic, meticulous kind of guy; very humble and genuine. He had his own style and character. Bennie was known as Dad, Pop, Bennie, Pa Pa, Papa Ham and “CAL”, but it was guaranteed “he had it nicknamed for you as well”. Some of his noteworthy clichés: “two ears, one mouth, listen twice as much as you speak;” “My Gal”, My Man”. He had a “Fan Club of “his gals” 80 years and older who he spent time with and was devoted to. Bennie was a “sports trivia wiz” and a musicologist”. He loved all the “Motown” love ballad artists: “The Montclair's, Dramatics, Delfonics, Four Tops” to name a few”. This could be attributed to his affectionate love for his wife. He leaves to cherish his memories: two loving brothers: Wilbert Callaham(Valerie )and William “Cat Man” Callaham,Sr.(Luvenia), a son Rodney Leeper (Erin); a daughter; Bridgette Callaham- Richardson( Michael), a son Brandonn Callaham, a son, Clifton “Casey” Smith(Kymme) and Chase Williams. He was also blessed to have a “surrogate”Mother/Mother-in-law, Ms. Lucy M. Brown, who loved him as her very own; two sisters- in- law, Doris B, Dunge and Loretta B. Byrd; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He has several loving nieces and nephews and three-God sent -Tarran, Evans, Yvette Hart and Jammett Todd and close friends. Bennie's “special” past-times include being with his fellows in the Thursday morning Breakfast Club, the Harvey Garden Wine Society and the McGuire Veterans Circle of Friends and watching his daytime SOAPS.

Tributes

Bennie Lee Callaham,Sr.

January 30, 1948 - August 24, 2013