Curtis Callihan

Curtis Eugene Callihan , 96, of Elizabethtown, passed away January 19, 2011. He graduated from Whiteville High School in 1933. He attended NC State University, graduating from the Agricultural and Engineering Department with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education in 1937. He completed a master's degree in business and agriculture in 1969 from NC State University. He was a vocational and agricultural instructor in Harnett and Franklin counties. He later was an agricultural extension agent for the Federal Government in Pender, Hoke and Jones counties.



He married Jewel Medlin, a direct descendent of John Woodliffe (a captain and governor of Berkeley 100 on the James River at Jamestown) in 1937. They shared 63 years together. In 1947, they moved from Hoke County to Elizabethtown. He was employed as a county agent with the NC Department of Agriculture. Mr. Callihan purchased a lot from the Cross family behind the Courthouse and opened Bladen Farmers Exchange (FCX) in 1947. Three years later he built a Feed Mill on US 701. He remained owner of the feed mill until the closing in the later 1970s. In 1990, Mr. Callihan sold the FCX to Alexander and Ronnie Hester which remains a thriving business today.



He had a passion for golf and fishing. In his spare time, he would take a cane pole and go fishing. He also played golf when he could. In April, 2010, he was awarded the Masonic Diamond Jubilee pin for 63 years of membership.



He loved his family dearly. He and Jewel had three daughters; Jewel Callihan Prichard of Fayetteville, Linda C. Curtis and husband Don of Roanoke Rapids, and Cathy C. Gantz and husband James of Baltimore Maryland. All three daughters have been involved in education as teachers and principals.



He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew Jackson Callihan and Annie Connor Callihan; his wife of 63 years, Jewel Medlin Callihan; one sister, Vara Elliot; three brothers, Beaufort, Forrest and Jim Callihan.



He is survived by his three daughters previously mentioned;seven grandchildren, Berkeley Loftin, Theodore T. Prichard III, Ellen P. Meyer, Don C. Curtis, Lou C. Weddington, James G. Benton and Connor Benton; eight great-grandchildren, Raleigh, Jordan, Carter, William, Trey, Medlin, Lilly and Julia.



The family will receive friends Friday, January 21, at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. The service will be Saturday, January 22, at Elizabethtown Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Chris Carroll officiating. Burial will follow at Elizabethtown Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elizabethtown Baptist Church, 1800 W. Broad St. Elizabethtown, NC 28337