Villa fan dies at the wheel after 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Jan 1 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail

“Ray and I had been all over the country watching the Villa and I will have to carry on without him.”

Mr Callow, a former Ansells Brewery worker and social club secretary from Erdington, was on the way to a party with Linda, daughter Rachel, aged 36, and 14-year-old grandson Adrian when he collapsed on Deykin Avenue after the final whistle.

He leaves behind Linda, Rachel, son Russell, aged 38, and five grandchildren.

Mr Callow was a well-known figure on the Birmingham social club scene, having worked at the Jaguar Sports and Social Club in Castle Vale and as secretary at Brookvale Sports and Social Club.

Linda said: “We loved any sport and would go all over the country watching snooker and cricket.

“Work permitting, he would never miss a Villa game home or away and was well known by a lot of fans.

“He was enjoying this season a lot and he seemed so happy when he walked out of the ground for the last time.

“It will be terrible going back without him but I know I’ve got to do it.”

Mr Callow’s funeral will be held on January 14 at Perry Barr Crematorium.

His family have asked that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust or cancer charities.