Rev. Gerald William 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; from 1969-1976 at Charlotte UB, now Crossroads Church in Charlotte, MI; from 1976-1979 at Maple Hill UB, now Homefront Church in Grandville, MI; from 1979-1986 at West Windsor UB in Dimondale, MI; and from 1987-2002 at 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), and Jennifer (Shannon) of Delton, MI; and his sister, Kay Dekett (Gary) of Leslie, MI. 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 seven grandchildren, three 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 1:00 p.m. at the McCallum UB Church in Delton. The Family will receive friends and family on Friday evening, June 23, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at the McCallum UB Church, 5505 Otis Lake Road, 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.