Shawn DeShannon McCallister, 52 of Wayne, WV, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and one of the kindest souls to walk this earth, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House surrounded by his family and friends after a long, courageous battle with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Shawn was born on May 2, 1973 in Huntington, West Virginia.
He is preceded in death by one brother, Ronald “Ronnie/Mac” Douglas McCallister; grandparents, Ada Frances Smith and Jack Farnsworth Smith, his stepfather Ronald Douglas Forbush and mother-in-law, Dorothy Marie Perry.
He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 29 years, Shelley J. McCallister of Wayne, WV; his two reasons for life, his daughters, Shauna “Junior” M. McCallister of Wayne, WV and Shelby “Sheba” C. McCallister of Huntington, WV; a very special un-biological daughter, Tia Smith of Barboursville, WV; his mother Diane Harrison (stepfather David “Joe” Harrison) of Garner, NC; one sister, Bridgett L. Dial of Milton, WV and several family and friends too numerous to mention.
Shawn found peace and strength in his faith, being baptized on Thursday December 4, and finding community as a member of Echo United Baptist Church.
Showing his early dedication to service, Shawn signed his commitment papers for U.S. Navy while still a high school student at Barboursville High School, officially joining the service immediately following his graduation in 1993.
Following his time in the Navy, Shawn received several educational certificates, including his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certificate, a Block Machine Operator certificate, and his Coal Mining Certificate.
He leaves behind a legacy defined not by his illness, but by the quiet heroism and his unwavering spirit which he lived in spite of. Shawn defied expectations with resilience, grit, and love. He remained a helpful person with a truly big heart, always putting others before himself.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter, finding his greatest peace in the outdoors. He loved spending quiet nights by the fire at his treasured property, aptly named “Laid Back Manor.” His impact is a testament to the truth that real strength is not loud, it is steady, unwavering, and full of heart. He was and will always be loved.
The family would like to extend their special gratitude to all medical teams that were involved in Shawn’s healthcare. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to two of Shawn’s special friends, Mike Queen and Oscar Estep, whose consistent visits, love, and care were a true source of strength and kept his spirits high until the very end; friend Chad Keith of Prichard WV and a brother in law Samuel Perry of Wayne WV who both would come whenever called on.
Funeral services will be conducted Noon Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville. Burial will follow in Greasy Ridge Cemetery, Dunlow, W.V.a. Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday at Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville. Online condolences may be sent to www.timeformemory.com/wallace
Pallbearers will be Chad Keith, Cody Collins, Darryl Perry, Jeff Hobbs, Justin Perry, and Riece McCallister.
Prayer and reading of the obituary performed by Robert Crum and services held by Pastor Roger Maynard.
