Jonathan Shelton Calloway

Jonathan (Jon) Calloway was born to Elsie and Shelby Calloway in Cumberland County, North Carolina in October of 1973 and was a native of Raeford, North Carolina where he graduated from Hoke County High School in 1993.

During his youth Jon could often be found enjoying the pleasures of a childhood in the country with his younger brother Steven. The pair regularly enjoyed riding their dirt bike and three-wheeler along the trails they made. They also loved riding the tractor with their dad, Shelby, and would fight over who got to steer. He also enjoyed fishing on the ponds around the farm. Jon also shared fond memories with his brother Steven and their mom and dad, Bill. Including a memorable trip to both Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a child Jon enjoyed regular target practice and learning gun safety with his brother. One of his favorite things was being a member of the church softball league. He spent many summers on the field playing softball with friends and family.

Throughout his preteen and teen years Jon was seriously into electronics. He loved a good set of speakers and a stereo. He loved making mixed tapes of his favorite 80’s music. By the time he graduated high school his music collection, both homemade and purchased, was immense. Jon was always first in line for new releases by his favorite artists. The only thing to rival his music collection would be his equally large collection of VHS tapes and DVD’s. During this same time Jon got a CB base station and spent many hours connecting with people under the handle “Lonely Boy”.

Throughout his school career Jon participated in track and field competitions with the Special Olympics. Always with his best buddy Israel. Throughout his life the Special Olympics remained very close to his heart.

After high school Jon had several jobs including working at Kmart, but his favorite was working as a security guard for the golf course in Southern Pines, North Carolina. He talked often and fondly about that time in his life and how it brought back good memories.

Jon loved many things in life, but his greatest loves were the Lord and football. Specifically, Dallas Cowboys football. Jon truly was their NUMBER ONE fan. When Dallas was on lookout, nothing was keeping him from the game. One of his fondest memories was when he was able to visit the Stadium as a child. Next to that would be the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers game he got to attend for his birthday.

Most recently Jon could often be found enjoying the sunshine on his front porch with his dog Peanut or laughing his head off to a funny TV show while enjoying a junior bacon cheeseburger with mayonnaise on both sides of the bread. Not too many burgers though. He loved visiting with his parents and getting together with his brothers and sisters and their families. Jon was a spiritual person and was always willing to talk about God and his many blessings.

To those that knew him Jon was the blessing. His kindness and loving nature could be felt by anyone he crossed paths with. Those of us who knew him and had him in our lives are truly blessed and will be forever grateful.

He is survived by his loving parents Mary and Bill Love and Shelby Calloway all of Raeford; brother, Steven Calloway and wife Leanne; sister Kelly Calloway Peele and husband Tim; sister Shelly Blanton and husband Andy; and brother Lawrence Calloway and fiancé Melinda. Bonus sister Lee Ann Paul. Nephews Logan Calloway, Matthew Peele and wife Grace, Vincent Smith and Justin Smith. Great niece Pressley Smith and great nephew Colton Smith. Aunts Joyce and Laura as well as his Uncle Bob. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion and guardian, Peanut.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Jon’s caregivers Keith McPhatter and Mary Goodwin, along with Kim, Devon and the staff at TT and T Services for taking such good care of Jon. The family would also like to express their appreciation for the amazing care provided to Jon by Dr. Bobby Maynor and his nurse Trivia McKenzie

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jon’s honor to the one of the following:

The Special Olympics of North Carolina: www.sonc.net

The Ronald McDonald House Durham: www.rmbstriangle .org

NAMI North Carolina: www.naminc.org

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 02, 2025 from 2-3 pm at Crumpler Funeral Home 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.

A service will follow at 3 pm.

Burial will be in the Five Point Community Church Cemetery 2999 Calloway Rd, Raeford, NC 28376.