George Kenneth Callaway

09/16/1932 – 07/18/2025

George Callaway passed away peacefully in his home at “The Ranch” in El Mirage California on July 18th 2025, at the age of 92. George was born in Glendale, California Sept 16 1932. He lived in Burbank most of his early life. George graduated from John Burroughs High School in 1951.

George worked for Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman and Rocketdyne, (later a part of Rockwell International). He wore many hats. He worked on the Peacekeeper Missle Project and on the Apollo sending a man to the Moon Shuttle Program. He started as a riveter and from there he went on to be a Manager, worked on the shuttle engines and he worked in the space capsule along side the Apollo Astronauts. He retired as an Aerospace Inspector.

George had many interests but Racing and Photography were his real passions. George became a professional photographer. He took photos on the PGA tour of Bob Hope Golf Classic, The Diana Shore Classic, California Drag Strips, National Drags and Hot Rod Magazine.

George was very active in the racing community where he once traveled with Tommy Ivo, also known as “TV Tommy” for about a year. He did the Mobile Economy Run, traveled with the Armoral dragster team and worked for Diest Safety equipment for a while. He ran an off-road class 1 unlimited car and budget bug with his sons Daryl Callaway and George Callaway. That is where the GK Callaway and Sons team first started. They won many local races and placed 2nd over all in 1972 in the Las Vegas Mint 400.

With all his shenanigans he always had time to make it to Bonneville salt flats. He NEVER missed going to Bonneville Salt Flats for “70” years. So wether he was running his car for the record, driving a car, packing parachutes, taking photos or supervising the starting line George was there. Telling lots of good stories and guiding people through the process of land speed racing. Bonneville will not be the same with out him.

In 2020 the Southern California Timing Association inducted George into the Wheels of Fame for outstanding proformance and support for the sport. The standing ovation the members gave George was 100% the best moment ever.

After George retired it was only fitting that he would purchase 40 acres on a dry lake bed in El Mirage, California (AKA The Ranch) to start his own racing legacy. After losing both his sons, his race team changed to GK Callaway Racing Team to include Teddy Worobieff, Pete Pentrist, Monte Wornock to name a few. George loved people and he had many friends that called him, The Mayor of El Mirage.

George’s garage at “The Ranch” was every retired racing mans dream. Oh, if those walls could talk. The beginning source of El Mirage Liars Association.

George was also a member of the Adelanto Chamber of Commerce as a Consultant. Where he helped orchestrate the Christmas Parties and Easter parties at the community building for the El Mirage children.

George had six children from his former wife, Bonnie Ingram who he stayed friends with all these years. George went on to be with with his lifelong partner Janice Anderson Callaway who has endured all the racing fun for 45 years.

George is survived by his Daughters, Katherine Callaway Hall (Jim Hall), Teresa Callaway Mc Mahan (Steve McMahan), Cheryl Callaway Riley (Scott Riley), Jamie Callaway Cordova (Barney Cordova). Grandchildren, Patrick Haver, Andalee Breihan, Kenny Callaway, Meleah Riley, Austin Riley, Tracy Lowe, Justin Mc Mahan, Lauren Fuentes, Shanon OShea, and Missy Lafond . Great Grandchildren, Natasha Frasier, Jorden Hannah, Wayne Frasier, Trinity Frasier, Julie Gunnell, Cody Orman, Gabby Orman, Wyatt Orman, Jayden Cadena, Tristan Fuentes, Cecilia Mc Mahan, Scarlett Firestone, Remy Willetts, Kaylee Callaway, Cassie Callaway, Maddie Breihan, Brynlee Riley and River Riley.

Preceded in death by his Parents, George Kenneth Callaway (Ken) & Audrey Callaway, Sister Elizabeth Humphries (Betty), Sons George K Callaway, Daryl L Callaway, Niece Sharon Humphries, Grandson Micheal Willetts.

Special Mention:

George K Callaway Race Team and crew, Pete Pentrest, Monte Wornock, Greg DeGase, Randy DeGase, Jay Black, Lisa and Andy Bartfay, Uncle Teddy Worbeiff, Paula Burns, Scott Gregory, Normy Benham, David Basham, Morris Snow, John Andrusak, Mike Kilger, Ed & Val Fenn, Dave Cox, Bonneville Butch, High Desert Racers & SCTA/BNI

George always said not to worry about him that he had a great life. I have to say, yes he did.