Russell Lacy Callahan was born on February 3, 1933 to Lacy and Ruth Elder Callahan in Lunenburg County, Virginia. Russell received his education from the Lunenburg County School system graduating in 1951. Later he attended a local Community College to take electrical and plumbing courses.

Russell was baptized at New Grove Baptist Church at an early age. He went on to become an ordained deacon and once served as the Chairman of the Deacon board. He was an active member of the Church until his failing health made it difficult to attend.

Russell was united in Holy Matrimony on July 11, 1952 and they were blessed in their union with three children, Bertram Demone Callahan (Victoria, Virginia), Octavia Callahan Jones (Prince George, Virginia) and Laurie Callahan Bradley (Greensboro, North Carolina). He leaves behind his devoted wife Bessie Reese Callahan and children to cherish his memory, along with his two grandchildren, Carmen Nicole Jones (Atlanta, Georgia) and Nelson Christian Bradley (Greensboro, North Carolina).

He leaves behind a sister, Willie Mae Overby (Kenbridge, Virginia) and a brother, Henry Callahan (Hillside, New Jersey); two brothers-in-law Lewis C. Reese (Richmond, VA) and Robert P. Reese (Kenbridge, VA); two sisters-in-law, Allie Mae Hinton (Kenbridge, VA) and Marjorie Reese (Kenbridge, VA) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He also leaves behind a faithful companion and caretaker Charles Fitzgerald Carter (Kenbridge, VA) who aided greatly in his care during his illness.

Russell was employed full time by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control and worked part time at his own business as an electrician and plumber. He retired at the age of 58 from the state after 40 years of service. Being a man of ambition and endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, he fulfilled his vision of being self-employed. He became a licensed Professional Bails Bondsman and at the same time he began to acquire property and became a prominent landlord in Victoria and Kenbridge, VA.

Russell was very active in his community. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge #214, a member of the Kenbridge Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Democratic Party Committee.

Funeral services were held Sunday August 3, 2 p.m. at New Grove Baptist Church, Kenbridge, with the Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Bagley, Jr., pastor. Interment was in the church cemetery.

S.P. Jones and Son Funeral Home served the family.