Hiram

Calloway

Hiram Calloway, Sr. was the only child born to the late Obie and Elouise Calloway. Hiram, Sr. was born on August 22, 1927 in Woodville, Florida.

He was educated in the Florida Public Schools. After graduating from high school, Hiram joined the United States Air Force. He served his country for four years and received an honorable discharge. While in the service Hiram served as Heavy Equipment Operator.

After his discharge from the service, Hiram moved to Toledo, Ohio where his parents had relocated. Hiram did an apprenticeship in North Carolina, where he mastered installing terrazzo flooring. He was a member of Local 60 for 39 years while employed with Art & Mosaic Tile Company. Hiram was also employed as a construction worker out of Local 500 for 50 years. He worked both jobs simultaneously.

Hiram met and married the love of his life, Betty Hooper. To this union, two children, Hiram Jr. and Linda Renee, were born. Hiram and Betty were married for 65 years until Betty's passing in 2019.

Hiram enjoyed a very close relationship with his parents. He and his father shared the love of bowling and fishing. Hiram learned to fish as a young child, taught by his maternal grandmother, Grandma Lillie. Hiram truly loved these two pastimes. He was a founding member of three leagues and bowled until the age of 97 when his health wouldn't allow it anymore. The highlight of Hiram's day was going to the bowling alley.

Hiram had a huge sense of humor! He left people in stitches from laughter. Hiram could say the simplest things but it would come off so, so funny. At family gatherings, Hiram told many stories and the more the family laughed, the more stories he told. Most of the stories were true, with a humorous twist. Hiram was the family historian. Being the oldest grandchild, he knew all the secrets of his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Hiram was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; father, Obie; mother, Elouise; daughter, Starlit; granddaughter, Vanessa; and sister, Evelyn.

As Hiram put it, "I've had a good life, God has been so good to me".

Hiram leaves to cherish his memory and live forever in our hearts: his son, Hiram Jr. (Nicole); his daughter, Linda; five grandchildren: Rhonda, Ronnie, LaVandra, LaToya, Jannah; six great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; three special nieces, Denise, Daphne and Stacey; Linda's partner of many years, who was like a son to him, Ted; family, many friends and fellow bowlers. Hiram was dearly loved and will truly be missed!