John Clyde "J.C." Calloway

On Saturday, April 26, John Clyde “J.C.” Calloway, 93, went to be with Jesus Christ his Savior and Lord where he will celebrate and joyfully praise God eternally. He passed away peacefully at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS surrounded by his family.

J.C. was born January 29, 1921, to loving parents, Clyde and Fannie Calloway. He was Clyde and Fannie’s only child whom they dearly adored and “spoiled” as he always said. He had a happy childhood growing up in Bessemer, AL where he attended Bessemer schools and graduated from Bessemer High School. He attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL and was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served as an officer in the United States Navy during World War II.

He grew up in First Methodist Church in Bessemer, AL, and served his church in many capacities including Sunday school teacher for many years. He also was a member of Canterbury Methodist in Mountain Brook, AL. His business career spanned many decades. In the 1940s and 1950s, he owned his own business, “J.C. Calloway’s Super Store,” a general mercantile business where he boasted of having the first local delivery service with the slogan… ”You ring—we bring!” In 1955, he entered the Hotel business beginning the long career in the hospitality industry. He bought his first motel in Tuscaloosa, AL. Throughout the years, he owned many hotels which included numerous franchises as well as independent hotels. He was one of the first presidents of the Alabama Hotel Association serving two terms, and he served on the Alabama Travel Counsel. He was on the Board of Master Hosts during its beginnings. He was always involved with the Chamber of Commerce in each city where he owned businesses and thought it was very important to be an active participant in the community. In recent years, J.C. would boast that he was one of the oldest people left in the industry.

J.C. met the love of his life, Nettye Phillips, in 1950 and married her two weeks later. They were happily married until her death in 1990. The raised two daughters, Amanda and Catherine, in Birmingham, and he always said his greatest accomplishment was his two daughters. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately referred to him as their “Pops.” He loved them all dearly.

He will always be remembered for his positive outlook on everything in his life. He always encouraged other and had an attitude of gratitude at all times. He was the epitome of a Southern gentleman.

J.C. was predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Fannie Calloway; his wife, Nettye Phillips Calloway; and his son-in-law, Brooks Griffin, M.D. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Calloway and Cathy Griffin of Ridgeland, MS. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jane Moorman and her husband, Andy, of Greenville, SC; Lacey Fondren and her husband, George, of Ridgeland, MS; James Griffin of Plano, TX; and John Griffin and his wife, Hannah, of Ridgeland, MS. He leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Burke, Brooks, Johnny, and Ann. Also grieving his loss are his dogs, Teddy, Bozo, and Pilot.

To celebrate his memory, the family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 1, 4:00-6:00 at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS.

Graveside services will be Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, AL, and a visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be given in memory of J.C. to First Baptist Church, Madison, MS; Gideon International; or Madison ARK (Animal Rescue Kennel), Madison, MS.