Sergeant First Class Andrew McCallum

 Andrew McCallum Jr.  (Retired)
April 8, 1939 – April 30, 2026

Sergeant First Class Andrew McCallum Jr., age 87, of Herndon, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on April 8, 1939, in Laurel, Mississippi, Andrew was the son of the late Andrew Sr. and Ruth (Bogans) McCallum. After attending high school in 1958, he felt a calling to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After four years, he transferred into the United States Army where he continued his military career.

Andrew’s distinguished military career spanned 20 years, during which he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served two tours with the 403 SOD Special Forces Group. His later assignments took him across the globe, including tours in Panama, other classified nations, and Fort Bragg. He also served with the 82nd Airbourne Division. Throughout his service, Andrew was known for his steadfast leadership. He was the first African American to become a part of the 403 Special Operations Detachment Group. 

His decorations include the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.  Andrew retired from active duty in 1978, and transitioned into corporate America as a director of EEO and Affirmative Action. 

Beyond his military achievements, Andew was a devoted husband to his wife of 59 years, Ruby (Bracey) McCallum, and a proud father to his two children, Andre and Jason. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, loved watching his sons play sports and enjoyed being around family and friends after retirement. 

He is survived by his wife, Ruby (Bracey) McCallum; his sons, Andre and his wife Lara McCallum, and Jason McCallum; his two grandchildren, Paige and Brock McCallum; his two brothers, Henry McCallum and Ray and his wife Veronica McCallum, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew Sr and Ruth (Bogans) McCallum and his brother, John McCallum.

There will be a public viewing on Monday, May 11 from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Central & Worley Mortuary at 219 E 3rd St., Lumberton, NC. A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at the First Baptist Church, 504 W 2nd St, Lumberton, NC on May 12th at 11:00 AM, followed by burial services.  There will be a repast following the burial at First Baptist Church Lumberton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Andrews’s memory.

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