Rest In Peace, Tracy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

   
 
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 Your Chess Friends Will Miss You

Tracy Garland Callis Jr., 40, of Troutville, Va., was received into the arms of Jesus on August 6, 2009. Trace is now at  peace at his heavenly home. Surviving are his two precious sons, Logan Tre and Shawn Hunter, the little ones who brought joy to his life. Also, his ex-wife, Sheila Callis, the love of his life. Trace leaves his mother and stepfather, Jane and Jack Orr; his father and stepmother, Tracy and Barbara Callis; two half brothers, Jonas Callis and wife, Kathy, and Seth Callis, and girlfriend, Ashley Meador; stepsisters, Kathryn Orr, Holly Johnson and husband, Inge; nephews, Harrison and Aidan Callis, Ryan Johnson; and niece, Madison Johnson. Left to remember Trace also are Denise, David and Leah. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 9, 2009, at 3 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Daleville, Va. with the Reverend Dave Rochford officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to St. Marks UMC youth missions or the Roanoke rescue mission...  (Source:  The Roanoke Times)
 

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tracy Callis, an avid chess player known and liked by many in Asheboro and throughout the North Carolina chess community.  He was friendly and easygoing, but a fierce competitor over the board.  He played in many North Carolina tournaments including:  The NC Open, NC Class, LPO, LOTS, The Asheboro Open, Bertucci's (in Charlotte), and even a Two Knights Swiss in Fayetteville (which he won outright!).  Tracy had played in a total of three Asheboro Opens, and finished clear 2nd place at The Asheboro Open 32, just behind NM Chris Mabe.  Tracy was a strong "Class A" player who had excellent chances to make "Expert."

As a tournament director, I vividly remember Tracy speaking to me between rounds in Asheboro.  He told me that he wanted to play more chess, but that spending time with his kids was his top priority.  While I did not know him well, he was a likeable fellow whose forays into NC Chess will be missed.

 

Tom Hales, North Carolina Tournament Director

 

 Click For Photos of Tracy Callis at NC Chess Tournaments

 Click to Replay Tracy Callis vs. Adam Holmes from The Asheboro Open 21

 Click to View An Online Memorial Guestbook for Tracy Callis