CALLAWAY, Charles Ray

Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory, Wickenburg, Arizona Charles Ray Callaway December 23, 1949 - July 22, 2013 Charles Ray Callaway, age 63, passed away July 22, 2013. Ray was born December 23, 1949 in Raymondville, Texas to Troy & Marian Callaway. During his lifetime Ray had lived in various locations, as a boy in Venezuela, Canada and later in several western states. He served in the Marine Corps during the Viet Nam War. Ray had been musical all his life even as a boy he played the guitar. Following his military service he began a career in music and considered himself a “Western Entertainer” He came to Arizona in the late 1970’s and worked playing at many of the Dude Ranches. In the summers Ray would travel to Wyoming where he would play at the Dude Ranches there. He eventually settled in Congress, Az. Ray was an accomplished writer and composer and had recorded several CD’s. He was preceded in death by his parents Troy and Marian Callaway. Ray is survived by brothers Kenneth Lee Callaway and Michael Troy Callaway both of McCloud, CA, sisters Carol (Charles) Huebert of McCloud, CA, and Karen (Larry) White of Midland, Texas. As well as several cousins: Sue Wilson, Judy Wilson, and Debbie Loerakker all of Scottsdale and Joyce (Art) Redcay of Oregon. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. ~~~~~~~~ The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Charles Ray Callaway, 63, passed away July 22. Ray was born Dec. 23, 1949 in Raymondville, Texas, to Troy and Marian Callaway. During his lifetime, Ray had lived in various locations -- as a boy in Venezuela and Canada and later in several western states. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Ray had been musical all his life. Even as a boy, he played the guitar. Following his military service, he began a career in music and considered himself a “Western Entertainer.” He came to Arizona in the late 1970s and worked/played at many of the dude ranches. He had worked Rancho de los Caballeros (who he considered as family) in Wickenburg for more than 17 years. In the summers, Ray traveled to Wyoming where he would play at the dude ranches there. He eventually settled in Congress. Ray was an accomplished writer and composer and had recorded several CDs. He was preceded in death by his parents Troy and Marian Callaway. Ray is survived by brothers Kenneth Lee Callaway and Michael Troy Callaway, both of McCloud, Calif.; sisters Carol (Charles) Huebert of McCloud and Karen (Larry) White of Midland, Texas; aunt Barbara Wanket of Pioche, Nev.; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his extended music family all across the country. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory.