Ernest Callis Jr. of Mathews, departed this life on July 26, 2011 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born on Oct. 10, 1923 at Tabernacle, Va. Ernest was owner/operator of Callis Trucking until his retirement. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved baseball and NASCAR racing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mable Callis; daughter-in-law, Nan Lee, and grandson, Chris Duncan. He is survived by his wife of 66½ years, Miriam Callis; children, Melvin, Thomas (Nancy), Keith (Barbara), Susan (Gene) and Nancy (Mark); grandchildren, Todd, Ashley, Mandi, Brian, Jason, Marie, Jeffrey and Jessica; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Ann Fornash; three nephews, one niece, two sisters-in-law, and devoted caregiver, Mary Ruth Armistead.

The family will receive friends at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, on Friday, July 29, 2011, from 7-8:30 p.m. The graveside service will be held at St. Paul Annex Cemetery, Susan, Va., on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church General Fund, c/o Erma Webb, 240 Canoe Yard Trail, Mathews, Va. 23109 or Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109.