Rev. Gerald W. Gallaway

Rev. Gerald William Gallaway heard those precious words "Well done good and faithful servant" when he was called home to his eternal home on May 25, 2023. Gerald was born on August 5, 1937, to Warren William and Lois Faroll Gallaway. He grew up in Leslie Michigan where he attended a one room schoolhouse until his 8th grade year when he went into the Leslie Public High School. Following High School, he attended Huntington University in Huntington Indiana where he met the love of his life Saundra Lou Gallaway and received his bachelor's degree in science with an endorsement of Seminary as well as his Master of Divinity. The two were married on August 5, 1961, and served in the United Brethren In Christ Church in Michigan for 36 years. They served at Casco UB/Chicora UB, from 1965-1969 on a circuit in South Haven, MI. 1969-1976 Charlotte UB, now Crossroads Church in Charlotte, MI, 1976-1979 Maple Hill UB, Now Homefront Church in Grandville, MI, 1979-1986 West Windsor UB in Dimondale MI, and 1987-2002 McCallum UB in Delton Michigan where he retired. Gerald enjoyed painting, woodworking and playing his guitar. Singing with his family and friends brought joy to his life as well as seeing and playing with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family both in Michigan and Ohio. His after-retirement years were spent singing and playing at various nursing homes in Hastings, Delton, Galesburg, and Plainwell, as well as in church. Serving and loving God and people were the mission and joy of his life. He is survived by his wife, Saundra, his three daughters Kimberly, Melinda (Eric), Jennifer (Shannon) of Delton, MI, and his sister Kay Dekett (Gary) of Leslie Michigan. He was preceded in death by his mother Lois Faroll Gallaway in 1970, his father Warren William Gallaway 1994 his son in law Steven Roy Parish in 2011, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Gerald had 7 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, one honorary grandson, many great grandchildren and several foster children and foster great grandchildren. His life was life well lived serving his Savior Jesus Christ. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday June 24, 2023, at 1:00pm at the McCallum UB Church in Delton. The Family will receive friends and family on Friday evening June 23, 2023, from 4-7pm at the McCallum UB Church 5505 Otis Lake Rd, Delton MI 49046. The family is requesting that all who attend both the visitation and service wear bright Hawaiian colors. In his years after retirement, Gerald found joy in the Hawaiian colors and also the music. Gerald's ashes will be laid to rest at Brush Ridge Cemetery in Hope Township Michigan in a private family gathering. The family would like to thank Thornapple Manor and Elara Hospice Care of West Michigan for the wonderful care and treatment that Gerald received during his last days of his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Gerald's name to the McCallum UB Church, Thornapple Manor, or Elara Hospice Care of West Michigan. Special thank you to Eric Brundage for making his beautiful urn. God is good all the time! Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gerald's family.