Leslie "Les" Alan Calaway

Leslie Alan Calaway passed away peacefully at home in Merritt Island, Florida on October 26, 2022, at the age of 66, while convalescing from a series of recent strokes. Les was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He is lovingly remembered by his father Bill E. Calaway of Merritt Island, sister Lydia (Michael) Wallace of Bellefonte PA, and niece Sara Wallace of Beaverton OR. Les left behind his Florida cousins Donna (Joe) Lynn of Cocoa Beach, Gloria (Gary) Willis of Merritt Island and Moneta VA, and Cheryl (Al) Scoma of Satellite Beach; and North Carolina cousins Kathy Calaway, Carol Johnson, Clint Calaway, Murray Calaway, Noel Hunter, Allison Hall, Toby Green, Jean Leonard, Jon Johnson, and DeNeille Atwood. Les is survived by his aunts, Sandra (William) Hunter, Jacqueline (Stephen) Calaway, and Diana (Ray) Calaway of Winston-Salem NC. He also left behind his cousins’ children: Doug Lynn (and Doug’s children Joseph and Morgan) and Paul Lynn, both of Florida; Lynda Lynn of Maryland; Ryan Willis of Virginia; and Matt Calaway, Erin Calaway, Lucy Calaway, Gray Calaway, Charlotte Calaway, Toren Calaway, and Cameron Hall, all of North Carolina. Les is also fondly remembered by his Merritt Island neighbors Violet Smith and Terry Gillett and Gene and Dorothea McDonald, who considered him family.

Les was preceded in death by his mother Delores Johnson Calaway; grandparents Leonard and Maude Johnson and Harley and Alice Calaway; aunt Bleeka (John) Lyndon; and uncles Durwood (Gretchen) Johnson, Alva (Marie) Johnson, Ray (Diana) Calaway, and Stephen (Jacqueline) Calaway.

Les was born in Winston-Salem NC on October 4, 1956. He grew up there and in Pensacola FL, Decatur AL, St. Louis MO, Glade Valley NC, and Cincinnati OH. He played bass in various jazz bands. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and taught spectrophotometry at the University of Cincinnati. He worked as a Chemist for Griffin Industries in Butler KY. Les traveled to Jamaica for business and pleasure, and tended goats and horses on his farm in Falmouth KY. He followed his parents to Merritt Island when they retired to Florida, where he enjoyed visiting and helping his neighbors and relatives with yard work, some occasional shrimping, cooking, and gardening. Cultivating hot peppers was his specialty. Following the loss of his beloved canine companion Snert, with whom he visited hospital patients, Les made a practice of greeting and giving treats and toys to every pooch up and down the street. He never met a dog he didn’t like, and they all looked forward to seeing him, too.

Les was known for his lifelong sense of humor and his cheerful and helpful nature. After his mother Delores passed away, Les tirelessly looked after the household and his father Bill to the best of his ability, even when his recent illness took its toll. Les spent the entire year planning his Christmas presents for the next holiday season, and baked cookies to take to friends, relatives, and service workers in the neighborhood each year. Neighbors recall how Les advised and helped them with their first season of hurricane preparations. He will be missed and remembered fondly by many.

Les will lie in rest near his mother, Delores J. Calaway, in the family plot at Georgiana Cemetery in Merritt Island. Public visitation will be at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, from noon to 1 PM Thursday, November 3, followed by a service at the funeral home and interment.