George Edward Callender Jr.

George Edward Callender, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 26, 1943, in Biloxi, Mississippi, George was the son of George and Vivian Callender. He spent his childhood in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and had a great fondness for the state of his birth. Upon graduating from St. Martin High School as valedictorian in 1961, George began an apprenticeship at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation. After a few years at Ingalls, George was awarded a prestigious IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Scholarship. Only 12 applicants out of 1400 across the US and Canada were chosen to receive the scholarship. The scholarship allowed him to earn a degree in mechanical engineering in 1970 from the University of South Alabama.

George landed his first engineering job at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pensacola, Florida. After 15 years, he was transferred to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he worked at

Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear Corporation as a Quality Engineer. From Idaho, George moved to Aiken, South Carolina, to work at Westinghouse Savannah River Company. And after a brief move to Georgetown, Texas, to work on the Superconducting Supercollider, he moved back to Aiken and worked at Savannah River until he retired in 2001.

George was also very involved with the American Society of Quality (ASQ), a global leader in quality management. He held roles in ASQ as a QA Consultant and Chair of the Audit Division throughout the years. Additionally, he was a lifelong member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

In 2014, George and his wife, Rita, moved to Pensacola Beach, Florida, to live out a lifelong dream of living on the water. Those who knew George will always remember his attention to

detail. He was definitely a cross your “t’s” and dot your “i’s” kind of man. He could build, repair or repurpose absolutely anything. And he was quite the collector of all things! He will also be remembered for his love of fishing, golfing, traveling, listening to Elvis, spending time on the beach, and enjoying sunsets from his deck.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Rita Callender; his children, Virginia (Greg) Wills and Doug Callender; his stepsons, Pat (Elizabeth) Mrachek, Mike (Michele) Mrachek, and Jeff (Lesley) Mrachek; his brothers, H.L. Callender and David Callender; his

sister, Kathy (Dan) Usnik. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Vivian Callender and his brother, Mike Callender.

A memorial service for George will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.