John William Galloway

John William Galloway, lovingly known as "Billy," "Bill," and "Chief," was born on December 12, 1951, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 23, 2025. 

 A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Billy's kind heart and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

 Billy was preceded in death by his father, James Raiford Galloway; his first wife, Sharon Oswalt Galloway; and his grandson, Gabe Sims. These losses deeply shaped Billy’s perspective on life, making him a man who cherished his family and loved them well. 

 He is survived by his devoted wife, Lee Ann Colburn Galloway; his beloved daughters, Amy Galloway Sims (Josh) and Stacy Galloway; and his treasured son, John William Galloway II. His grandchildren, Eli Sims, Sam Sims, Drew Sims, Lela Sims, and foster grandson Jase, each brought immense joy to his life. 

 Billy is also survived by his mother, Myree Galloway; his mother-in-law, Regina Colburn; his sister, Sue Bailey; and his brother, Gary Galloway (Nancy). He was also a caring and supportive uncle to many nieces and nephews.

 Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Billy spent his childhood in the Samantha/Northside community. He later dedicated his adult life to Northport, where he served his community with integrity and compassion. Billy devoted 30 years to the Northport Police Department, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police. He retired in 2006. Post-retirement, he served part-time with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for several years. Additionally, he was a proud member of the National Guard, exemplifying a spirit of duty and commitment that extended far beyond work. Billy’s connection to his community did not end with retirement. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. 

 A man of deep faith, his love for God was evident in the way he lived and treated others. A natural caretaker, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to supporting his aging parents and in-laws. He stood faithfully by his first wife, Sharon, offering steadfast care and compassion throughout her eight-year fight with cancer. After her passing, he dedicated himself to raising their teenage daughters with love and commitment as a single father. Later in life, he found love again with Lee Ann, and together they recently celebrated 20 beautiful years of marriage. Their life was enriched by raising a son and creating a home filled with love, joy, and cherished memories for their children and grandchildren. His kids know how blessed they were to grow up with a father who always put their needs and the needs of others before himself. He instilled in them values of integrity, kindness, and hard work, leading by example every day of his life. He was Poppy to Eli, Sam, Drew, Gabe, Lela, and Jase, cherishing each moment spent with his grandchildren and always cheering them on. His brother was his best friend and someone who he could always count on. Their bond was built on trust, shared memories, and a deep understanding of one another. 

 Billy was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in the little things in life. In his free time, he loved the outdoors, whether fishing on the lake, hunting, or caring for his horses, goats, chickens, and any other animals William decided they needed. Billy had a knack for working with his hands. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix, as his resourcefulness was second to only his dad's. An athlete at heart, he played all sports throughout high school and continued to stay active playing in the police basketball league, bowling, running, and helping coach his kids’ sports teams and when not coaching, he was their biggest fan, always present to cheer them on from the sidelines. 

Despite facing significant health challenges, in the last 15 months, Billy approached life with positivity and resilience. He never allowed his struggles to define him and continued to live each day to the fullest. His doctors were inspired by his strength and determination, especially as he fought a very aggressive cancer up until his final days. 

 Billy's life will be celebrated with visitation on Tuesday, January 28th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Magnolia North. The funeral service will follow on Wednesday, January 29th, at 11:00 AM, also at Magnolia North, with a graveside service at Phillips Chapel. 

 Pallbearers will be William Galloway, Eli Sims, Sam Sims, Drew Sims, Josh Sims, Gary Galloway, Byron Bailey, and Todd Davis. 

 Honorary pallbearers include the Northport Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Department, Huntington Place Elementary, and friends and neighbors of Saint Joseph Street. Additional honorary pallbearers are Marcus and Jennifer Allen, Jay and Katie Leatherwood, Reggie and Diane Harris, Dr. Grant Williams, Dr. John Crew, Dr. Amit Mehta, Abigail Patterson, Rocky and Melba Montgomery, Hospice of West Alabama, Cassie Clark, Chad and Kim Norrell, Scott and Lorie Presley, Janice Hagler, Tommy Jones, Jim and Pam Moore, and Mike Colburn, DCH Cancer Center, and the Hematology/Oncology Unit, Infusion Clinic. 

 In honor of Billy's legacy of selfless service, a scholarship fund is being established in his name. The Chief Galloway Memorial Scholarship Fund will support individuals who share Billy’s passion for serving their communities through public service careers. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at https://bold.org/funds/chief-galloway-memorial-scholarship-fund/