Tommy Lee Callahan, 79, of Southaven, MS went to be with the Lord on February 5, 2023. Tommy was born on February 4, 1944 in Cleveland, OH to the late Brown and Orita Callahan. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Joel Callahan and John Daniel Callahan. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, RaMona Callahan; son, Tim Callahan (Karen); daughter, Eryn Callahan; son, Britton Callahan; son, Jon Stinson (Berenice’ Bustillos); daughter, Cassidy Gausman (Noah); 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Danny Callahan (Carolyn) and Mike Callahan (Rosy). Tommy became a barber straight out of high school and then went on to get his hairdresser’s license. He became a pioneer and innovator in his industry. He created many different programs and worked in education along with working as a hairdresser in many different salons, some of which he owned, and he partnered in opening Paul Mitchell Beauty Schools. He was a licensed hairdresser for 61 years and was active in the industry for 56 of those years. When he retired he was working for John Paul Mitchell Systems. In 2010 he worked with John Paul Dejoria and Berea College to create the Grow Appalachia Project in Berea, KY. This project helped rebuild the poverty ridden area due to the earlier strip-mining. Tommy was a believer in Jesus Christ and his faith was a very important part of his life. He pursued Christ in as many ways as he could find. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Broadway Baptist Church on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10:30-12:30 pm. There will be a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in his honor to one of the following charities: Berea College (Berea.edu), Grow Appalachia (growappalachia.gerea.edu), or the Salvation Army.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Callahan family.
