Clarke & Staples Funeral Homes

Saturday, December 26 2020

Posted by: Clarke and Staples Funeral Homes AT 11:29 am | Permalink | 6 Comments | Email

Comments:

Sheila and David, we are thinking of you all and sending love and sympathy at the loss of Donald Ray. Pete, Mildred Mae and Bonnie Watson

Posted by Millie Watson on 12/30/2020 - 01:17 PM

Heartfelt sympathies to all of you, and prayers for strength as you grieve and heal. Our Love, Val and Neil

Posted by Valerie Powers on 12/31/2020 - 10:36 AM

Shelia and family, sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. I know you worked very hard for him. I'm certain he is proud of you and your family. Keep your chin up, better days are ahead. The Ahrens.

Posted by Steve Ahrens on 12/31/2020 - 11:02 AM

Sending condolences and sympathy at this time of your loss. I have fond memories of times with Donald Ray in our Christian Youth Fellowship and summer camps while young at Perseverance Christian Church. May God surround you with His Love and give you peace.

Posted by Mary Ellen Hawthorne-Balarzs on 12/31/2020 - 04:43 PM

Shelia & David, I am so very sorry about your Dad. He was such a character. I'm sure when things settle, your memories will take you back to special moments in time, that you weren't aware then would be with you forever. May God bless you both as you step into your futures. Love to all, Vicki

Posted by Vicki Jock on 12/31/2020 - 07:48 PM

Donald Ray was my uncle and a great support to me in my late teens and early twenties. I will always remember his determination, business sense, and generosity while I worked for him. He had a dry sense of humour and a quick mind. I will be thinking of David and Sheila and sending my love.

Posted by Saundra Plummer on 01/01/2021 - 03:14 AM

Donald Ray Callis, 85, of Henrico County passed away December 26, 2020. Born December 12, 1935 on the farm of his parents, Donald was a native of Dundas Virginia in Lunenburg County, and the only child of the late Hardy and Ellie Callis. He was a resident of Henrico County for over 60 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Sheila Callis Ray (Steve) of Henrico County and his Son David Franklin Callis II of Cary, North Carolina. His five amazing grandsons — Andrew L. Ray (Sarah), Jacob M. Ray (Shahana), Zachary T. Ray, Matthew F. Callis and Philip D. Callis — knew their grandfather as “Papa Apple.” Donald graduated from Kenbridge High School and attended RPI, College of William and Mary (now VCU). He also completed several courses with the School of Infantry, Ft. Benning GA. He was a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in the old F company, 2^nd Battalion, 176^th Regimental Combat Team, Infantry, and also served with the 111^th Field Artillery, VANG.

In 1964, he founded General Office Supply & Furniture Co., Inc. and remained its President and CEO while forming three other Virginia Corporations and Companies. General Office Supply grew to become a major presence in the office products industry in Virginia, also doing business in other states. For many years, you could find Donald boating and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay or the Rappahannock River.

A burial for family members will be held on January 2nd, 2021 at Perseverance Christian Church. Memorial service to be held at a later date when safe to do so. He was a lifelong member of Perseverance Christian Church in Dundas Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Perseverance Christian Church and sent in care of Sheila Ray at 10805 Branberry Lane Richmond Va 23233.