Robert Callis

Captain Robert E. (Erwin) Callis walked through heaven's gates on June 8, 2015. He was born on February 18, 1928, and was a native of Gwynn's Island.

Erwin had a love for the water and began his career as a local waterman with his father, and was later owner and operator of the "Nancy-Sue". He was a World War II Army Veteran. He worked for many years on tug boats for the Pennsylvania Railroad, eventually earning his captain's license. Later he worked at other positions and studied long and hard to become a ship pilot. He was a harbor pilot at Norfolk Naval Base and in1986 transferred to King's Bay Naval Base in St. Mary's, GA. After his retirement in 1993, he and Nancy moved back home on Gwynn's Island. He always enjoyed, loved, and provided for his family.

He was a founding member and deacon of Redeeming Grace Baptist Church and treasured his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Clara Callis, sister Clara Jane White and grandsons Nathan Price and Matthew Shiver.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Nancy Hodges Callis, son Michael (Vickie) Callis, daughters Nancy Buchanan, Susan Turner, Lynne (Dale) Callis, Cindy (David) Kellar and Sharon (Dave) Shiver, sister Lucille Tyssen, brother Carl Nelms Callis, 17 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be held from 7 to 8:30 on Wednesday evening June 10th, and services held on Thursday, June 11th, at 2:00 pm at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Mathews, VA 23109 or Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 722, Mathews, VA.