William Jackson "Buddy" Callis

Mr. William Jackson ‘Buddy’ Callis, age 83 of Gainesville, formerly of Cleveland. Buddy passed away Friday, January 22, 2021. Buddy was born in Phoenix, Arizona on February 2, 1937 to the late Andy Callis and Frieda Muffett Callis. He served with honor in the United States Navy serving the two carriers, The Ranger and The Lexington during the years between Korea and Vietnam. Buddy retired from the Kansas City Southern Railroad. Buddy moved to Cleveland in 1995 where he was active in the Yonah Lodge F&AM. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his step son, Kenneth Callis and step daughter, Carolyn Jackson. Survivors include his wife, Betty Callis, Gainesville; step daughter, Ladonna Smith, Gainesville, step sons, Tony Smith and Rev. Mark Smith, both of Gainesville; sisters, Shirley Arthurs, Cleveland and Nancy Rhodes of Port LaVaca, TX. Many grand and great grandchildren and nieces and nephews as well as the many friends he met along the way. His smile and gentle personality was a gift to us all. Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from Gateway Memory Park with Rev. Mark Smith officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 12 Noon. It is requested that masks be worn and that social distancing rules be observed. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.