Merrel Callaway Obituary

Merrel Price Callaway CHARLESTON - Merrel Price Callaway, 94, went to his Heavenly home on the morning of January 31, 2010. He passed away at Hospice of Charleston, South Carolina. Rev. Callaway fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. Born in Dublin, GA, January 5, 1916, he was the youngest of eight children of Dr. Timothy Walton Callaway of GA and Rosalind Royall of James Island, SC. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Fountain Callaway of Chatham, New Jersey, and his wife Arlene Jensen Callaway of Harlan, Iowa. Mr. Callaway was graduated from Columbia University in New York City, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, and attended Harvard University. Rev. Callaway served as a Baptist Missionary to the Middle East and North Africa from 1945 to 1986. During his missionary service, he led international congregations, was principal of a school, helped found a hospital, taught English, and ran a bookstore. Surviving Merrel Callaway are his six daughters and their husbands Sharon and Carl Knechtel of Dallas, TX, Susan and Brent Anderson of Atlanta, GA, Joy and Blake Godbold of Oneida, KY, Star and Richard Dority of Charleston, SC, Margaret and Jeff Pearson of North Africa, Martha and Drew Whitson of the Middle East; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His family and friends will miss him greatly but are comforted knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father and with all the loved ones who have gone before him. Merrel Callaway's life was a testament that God can do great things through someone who is willing to serve Him. His love and commitment to the Lord showed in his day-to-day conduct. Watching his consistent life encouraged others. His patience, loving spirit, sweet smile, deep love, empathy and generosity touched many lives. His example as husband and father left its mark. His visitation will be held in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, Saturday, between five and seven o'clock. A Celebration of his life will be Sunday, February 7, 2010, at two o'clock in First Baptist Church of Charleston. Interment, Live Oak Memorial Gardens. Donations in his memory may be sent to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention via First Baptist Church of Charleston at 48 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Through your contributions, people will hear Merrel Callaway's witness, which in death, as in life, will bear witness for Christ. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths