Dr. Rheuben E. Callins

Dr. Rheuben Ezra Callins was born March 8, 1951, the seventh child of Aldrich and Odell Callins in Birmingham, Alabama. He passed away peacefully on July 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia after a valiant battle with cancer. Dr. Callins is predeceased by his parents, Aldrich Callins, Sr. and Odell Callins, and brother Jothan McKinley Callins. Following the lead of his older siblings, Dr. Callins attended Council Elementary School and Western Olin High School. He earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry at Howard University and a B.S. degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He went on to attend Howard University College of Dental Surgery, from which he graduated in 1982. His general practice dental residency was with the United States Army at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. He later continued his military service as Army Captain and Dental Officer at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He married Jean Mincey in 1986, and to their union was born a son, Idris E. Callins. Dr. Callins was active in professional dental organizations and was an active volunteer in numerous civic and community institutions. He loved travel, the outdoors and music; and he enjoyed engaging family and friends in enthusiastic discussions of politics, religion and sports. He had a terrific sense of humor. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was often considered to be the life of the party. Dr. Callins was employed for many years by Dental One Associates and remained there until the time of his death. Toward the end of his life, he frequently expressed gratitude for the love he received from his family. He had great pride in the accomplishments of younger members of his family.

Dr. Callins is survived by Jean Callins, his son, Idris Callins, his sisters: Gemima Wiggins (Graham), Miriam Callins, and Liliah Callins-Tate; his brothers: Aldrich G. Callins (Lillian), Dr. Joel F. Callins (Delsadie Callins, MD), Dr. Willis P. Callins, and Joshua Callins, a host of nieces and nephews, dear friend and caretaker Kathleen Lane, and a host of close friends and family. The family will receive friends from 9 - 11 a.m., and a Going Home Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 17, 2010 BOTH at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076. Dr. Callins will be laid to rest at 12 Noon, Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Vance, AL. Dr. Rheuben Callins will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Roswell Funeral has been entrusted with the family's arrangements.