David Lee Callahan

David Lee Callahan, 69, of Kernersville, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 after courageously fighting his battle with cancer for over a year.  It was with his Savior’s help, that he was able to endure the pain and suffering of this world, but now he is well and walking on the streets of gold.

David was born on December 12, 1953 to Grady Callahan and Stella Callahan Durham of Winston-Salem.  After graduating from North Forsyth High school in 1972, David joined the United States Marine Corps.  He served 6 years including two tours in Vietnam.  David married his childhood sweetheart, Gena, in 1974, and they celebrated their 49^th wedding anniversary this past August.  He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2013 after 42 years of Federal service.  David was a faithful husband, son, son-in-law, daddy, and Pap-Paw (which was his favorite title).  He was also a member of Triad Baptist Church where he actively served in the Living Epistles Sunday School class.  Dad will be remembered as a strong man who taught us all how to love well, work hard, and live for Jesus. 

He was preceded in his home-going by his parents, Grady Callahan, Stella Callahan Durham, and Harold Durham; his sister, Sheila Callahan Thacker; nephew Damon Willard; niece Robyn Doyle, and his in-laws, Norman and Bid Folds. 

Left to live out David’s legacy are his wife, Gena Folds Callahan; daughter Audra Callahan Locklear, son-in-law, Gary Locklear, and his pride and joy Landon Locklear.  Survivors also include his sister, Joni Durham of Woodruff, South Carolina, two brothers, Travis Durham (Amy Beth) of Atlanta, Ga. and John Durham (Nancy) of Greer, South Carolina, his sister-in-law Ronda Folds Beck (Jim), several loving aunts and uncles along with several nieces and nephews. 

The funeral will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Triad Baptist Church.  Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Hayworth Miller in Kernersville.  Pastor Rob Decker will conduct the services with the assistance of Brother Frank Shumate and Mr. Alan Comer. Entombment will follow the service at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.