CONCORD – Benjamin “Benny” Franklin Callahan III, age 49, of Concord, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007, at NorthEast Medical Center. He had been in declining health, but death was unexpected.

Benny was born May 19, 1957, in Surry County to the late Benjamin Franklin Callahan Jr. and Maude O’dell Martin Callahan Simmons. He was employed as Vice President of Sales at The Resource Group/ Telespectrum. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, an avid golfer and a sports enthusiast.

Survivors include his wife, Robin Benson Callahan; daughter Caylan Noelle Callahan; son Denver Adair Callahan; brother James Newton Callahan of Dobson; and half-sisters Susan Atkins and Amanda Lichvar of Mount Airy. His two golden retrievers Kemper and Kobie were special family members also.

Southeastern Guide Dogs, an organization that trains and breeds golden retrievers and Labs as guide dogs to help disabled people in our area, is close to the heart of this family.

Service: A memorial service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Concord with the Rev. Dr. Todd Hobbie officiating.

Visitation: The family will receive friends after the memorial service in Davis Hall.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, they ask that memorial contributions be made in Benny’s name to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Attn: Kathy Becker, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221.

Condolences may be registered at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

Wilkinson Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the Callahan family.