Captain Robert E. (Erwin) Callis walked through heaven’s gates on June 8, 2015.

He was born Feb. 18, 1928, and was a native of Gwynn’s Island.

Erwin had a love for the water, and began his career as a local waterman with his father, and was later owner and operator of the “Nancy-Sue.” He was a World War II Army veteran. He worked for many years on tugboats for the Pennsylvania Railroad, eventually earning his captain’s license. Later, he worked at other positions and studied long and hard to become a ship pilot. He was a harbor pilot at Norfolk Naval Base, and in 1986 transferred to King’s Bay Naval Base in St. Mary’s, Ga. After his retirement in 1993, he and Nancy moved back home on Gwynn’s Island. He always enjoyed, loved, and provided for his family.  

He was a founding member and deacon of Redeeming Grace Baptist Church and treasured his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Clara Callis; sister, Clara Jane White, and grandsons, Nathan Price and Matthew Shiver.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Hodges Callis; son, Michael (Vickie) Callis; daughters, Nancy Buchanan, Susan Traner, Lynne (Dale) Callis, Cindy (David) Kellar and Sharon (Dave) Shiver; sister, Lucille Tyssen, and brother, Carl Nelms Callis; 17 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Viewing was held from 7-8:30 on Wednesday evening June 10, and services will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, Va. Burial will be in the Gwynn’s Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Mathews, Va. 23109, Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 722, Mathews, Va. 23109 or Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109.