Nolan Callaway was born on Feb 2, 1929, to Elma and Herman Callaway. He was a native of Orange Beach, Alabama where he enjoyed his childhood along with his siblings, Hazel, Clifford, Marion, Arvin and Lloyd. Nolan remained in the area until he was graduated from Foley High School in 1948.
After completing high school, Nolan joined the Air Force and served until 1952. At the age of 50, Nolan retired from Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California after dedicating 31 years as an Aircraft Supervisory Production Controller. During that time, he proudly earned his wings as an aircraft pilot. While living in California, Nolan married Kathleen Dorsey and they together reared their most prized possessions, their two sons and two daughters.
In 1980 Nolan returned to his home town where he reconnected with a high school classmate, Kathryn (Kitty) Barchard who became his devoted wife for the last 27 years. Nolan and Kitty relocated to Lake Mitchell where he welcomed Kitty’s daughter and grandchildren into his life. While living in Verbena, he rekindled his faith and embraced the friendships he found at the United Methodist Church of Verbena. Nolan was proudly recognized as a member of The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, The Florida Tribe of Eastern Creek Indians, Sons of the Confederacy, The Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Florida Pioneer Descendants, The Air Force Reserves and Carrabelle Lighthouse Association. He has been honored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Alabama Korean War Legion of Honor.
Due to Multiple Myeloma, Nolan passed away on Sept. 15 surrounded by his loving family. Nolan was an avid lover of all God’s creatures, and in particular his 8 dogs.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Chilton County Humane Society, 139 Shade Tree Drive Clanton AL 35041 or to The Frank Barchard Memorial Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 2 Commerce, TX 75429.
He is survived by the love of his life, Dr. Kathryn “Kitty” Barchard Callaway; two sons, Mr. Bobby Callaway and Mr. David Callaway; two daughters, Mrs. Carolyn Grossberg and Mrs. Debbie Hartvickson; granddaughter, Ms. Rhea Burnett; grandson, Mr. Sean Barchard; 14 Grandchildren; 9 Great-Grandchildren; one brother, Mr. Clifford Callaway.
Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Elma Callaway; sister, Hazel Wenzel; 3 brothers, Marion, Arvin, and Lloyd Callaway. Services will be held today at 2 p.m. at Verbena United Methodist Church in Verbena. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the services. The Rev. Doug Orr will officiate the services. A graveside service with military honors will follow on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. in the Pine Rest Cemetery in Foley with Martin Funeral Home directing the services.