SR0327 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0327 LRB102 18631 ECR 26989 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lewis "Pee Wee" Calloway, who passed away on May 14, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Pee Wee Calloway was born to Tom Calloway and Hattie B. Coleman in Macon, Mississippi on September 21, 1945; he committed to his faith at an early age and was baptized at Oakleaf Missionary Baptist Church in Mississippi; he was raised on the family's farm in Macon and moved to Alliance, Ohio at the age of 15 to live with his father; he excelled on the track and field team and learned numerous skills from his father, becoming a master craftsman; after completing his education, he moved to East Saint Louis to be near his mother, who was an exceptional cook; and

WHEREAS, Pee Wee Calloway worked several different private sector jobs and eventually became interested in becoming his own boss; after having conversations with his mother about his desires to open a business and with her approval and support, Pee Wee's BBQ was founded in the 70s; within a few years, he worked diligently to open a second and third establishment in East Saint Louis; he provided employment opportunities to his younger siblings and community teenagers all while training his own sons in the art of BBQ; he relocated to Springfield in the mid 80s and opened a restaurant; after his aunt and uncle retired, he had the opportunity to move to a better location at which time Boyd's New Generation featuring Pee Wee's BBQ was established and continues to operate to this day; and

WHEREAS, Pee Wee Calloway was a member of Friendship Full Gospel Church in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Pee Wee Calloway displayed a charismatic approach to communication with everyone from children to adults; he had respect for everyone; he was a father figure, friend, and mentor to many and would help anyone if he could; and

WHEREAS, Pee Wee Calloway was preceded in death by his father; his mother; and his three brothers, James Calloway, Dwight Coleman, and Alvin Coleman; and

WHEREAS, Pee Wee Calloway is survived by his wife, Tammy Calloway; his four sons, Lewis (Antoinette) Calloway Jr., Devon Calloway, Shawn Calloway, and Stephen Johnson; his three daughters, Michelle (Kevin) Webb, Myieca Calloway, and Chazla Johnson; his four bonus children, Lachae Brown, Tyrika James, Tina McClain, and Brianna Bell; his three sisters, Joyce Lockett, Jacqueline Jones, and Sheena Davenport; his twenty-seven grandchildren; his ten great-grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; his cousins; and his close friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lewis "Pee Wee" Calloway and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pee Wee Calloway as an expression of our deepest sympathy.