NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla.
Billy Calaway passed away on April 2, 2015. He was a resident of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
He was born Nov. 9, 1930, in Indianapolis, to E.E. and and Kathryn Calaway.
His siblings were sister, Shirley Brown (Ronnie), and brother, Bobby Calaway (Mary). He also had two nephews and three nieces.
He graduated from Southport High School in 1949. He married Mary Rose Stark. They had two daughters, Brenda Ricatilli (deceased) and Linda McMillan (Robert); six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He owned a produce stand and became a salesman for Hedges Pontiac.
He moved to California and earned an artistic design degree.
He lived in Palm Springs. He married Patricia Oquinn; and they had two children, Michelle Thrower and Michael Calaway (deceased), and three grandchildren.
Billy owned salons and established clients such as Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Carey Grant, Diane Cannon, Dinah Shore, Bob Hope, Robert Wagner, the Eisenhowers, Chuck Connors, Natalie Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Disney and many more.
Then moving to Indianapolis, he opened a salon, California Girls, then opened the Mexican restaurant La Paz in Broad Ripple, winning many awards from Kraft. Then he moved to Dallas, Texas, opening another famous salon, The Phoenix.
He married his third wife, Deborah (Jamison) Calaway, who had two children, Beka and Terry; and four grandchildren.
Billy obtained a real estate license in Rancho Mirage, California, and moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 2005 and worked with Beach Realty with James Archimbaud and his wife, Terri.
Billy lived quite the Hollywood life and told wonderful stories about stars and experiences and unimaginable lifestyle.
We thank the Lord for such a person with enjoyable times.
Billy was also quite a chef and known for his famous Mexican recipes.
He will remain in our hearts forever. And to our family we will remember him as the “legend.” Thanks to all at Halifax Health Hospice for taking expert care of Billy during his battle with cancer, also to his neighbors and friends. Thanks for sharing your time with Billy.
