J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Galloway, Jr., William A.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

William Alfred Galloway, Jr., age 76, a visionary businessman and innovative co-owner of the Virginia Diner, Inc., Wakefield, died Tuesday, October 13, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 49 years and his partner and co-owner of the Virginia Diner, Inc., Mary Ann Pettit Galloway; two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Galloway of Victoria; Christine G. Epperson and her husband Jay of Ivor; a son, William A. Galloway III and his wife Martha Marie Wallace of Nags Head, NC; grandchildren, PFC Matthew Irvin Jenkins and his wife Sarah Irene, Elizabeth “Bess” Jenkins, Emmette and Joshua Epperson, Ashley Massey Galloway, Bobby Galloway, and Faith Galloway. He was predeceased by a grandson, Will Galloway IV.
Born on May 20, 1933, in Birmingham, AL, he was the son of the late William Alfred Galloway, Sr. and Elizabeth Edwards Galloway. He was a 1951 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond and proudly attended the University of Virginia. In 1959, Bill met his wife to be, Mary Ann Pettit, in a classic carpool romance when both worked for Reynolds Metal Corp. on the south side of Richmond. Mary Ann carpooled with Bill and other work colleagues and a romance soon blossomed. The couple was married in 1960. After the marriage, Bill moved on to a job as a salesman with Addressograph-Multigraph Corp. of Richmond. Bill continued to gain experience as a salesman and businessman as an employee of the National Cash Register Corp.
In 1976, Bill and Mary Ann purchased the Virginia Diner in Wakefield, a small café and gift shop and motel by the side of the road on U.S. Rt. 460. Bill, with a vision that was ten years ahead of his time, immediately began to modernize and expand the operation of the Virginia Diner Inc. into a multi-faceted restaurant and peanut business. Under Bill and Mary Ann’s leadership, the Virginia Diner Inc. has grown into the landmark business that it is today, known around the world. It has been said that the Virginia Diner was a “little diner that thought it could and Bill made sure it did!”
Active in all areas of his community, Bill was a dedicated member of the Wakefield United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board in the areas of Building and Grounds, and Finance. He was the first president of the Atlee Recreation Association of Hanover County, a member of the Board of Directors of the Wakefield Foundation, an active member of the Wakefield Ruritan Club, and a former Ruritan of the Year. Bill was a founding member and first president of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Restaurant Association. He was a member of the Wakefield Masonic Lodge #198 A.F. & A.M. Throughout his life, Bill was a major advocate for cancer research and was an active fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and the St. Jude’s Children’s’ Research Hospital. An avid sailor, Bill was a former member of the Hampton Yacht Club.
A funeral service will be held at the Wakefield United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2009, with Pastor G. C. Branton III and Rev. Jay Butcher presiding. Immediately following the funeral service, the family invites everyone to a reception in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the Wakefield Foundation, Thursday evening, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Wakefield UMC Building Fund, P.O. Box 87, Wakefield, VA 23888; Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 318, Wakefield, VA 23888; Wakefield Foundation, P.O. Box 8, Wakefield, VA 23888; or Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 583, Waverly, VA 23890. The Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Wakefield, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be posted at our web site at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Mary Ann,
Tommy and I extend our most sincere condolences for your loss. We understand from talking with Jim that the last months of Bill's life were really hard on him and hard on you and the rest of the family. At least you can now take comfort in the fact that he is at peace and after the sadness that you now feel will eventually be replaced by fond memories of the long and wonderful life you have had together. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
John and Tommy

Posted by: John and Tommy Thompson at October 19, 2009 09:03 AM

Dear Mary Ann, I read of Bill's passing in the Richmond T-D and wanted to let you know I am thinking of you & family.

It has been many years since I did work for you and Bill at the Virginia Diner regarding accounting and taxes. You were marvelous folks for whom to work, and always impressed me and our professional accounting/tax staff of the excellent management you, Bill and staff provided in the operation of the Diner!

You and family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Max

Posted by: Maxwell G. Cisne at October 18, 2009 09:03 PM

It has been many years since I did work for you and Bill at the Virginia Diner regarding accounting and taxes. You were marvelous folks for whom to work, and always imptessed me and our professional accounting/tax staff of the excellent management you, Bill and staff provided in the operation of the Diner!

Posted by: Maxwell G. Cisne at October 18, 2009 08:56 PM

Dear Mary Ann, Billy, Martha Marie, and family members:

My heart is broken that "Uncle Bill" has passed on to the heavens. He was so special, so kind, and gave the best hugs. He will always have a special place, along with Mary Ann, in my heart. My Mom loved each of you, and was always pleased to help celebrate the good times.

I have a strong feeling that Uncle Bill is being welcomed into the arms of Huck, Florine, Imma Jane, Uncle Skinner, Uncle Chicken, and many others who celebrated his life while here on earth. He's not alone, but embraced by all the folks that enjoyed eating at the Va. Diner, and enjoyed his company. He was an extrodinary person, and will be missed by all.

His spirit is soaring among the angels, and we shall see him again. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Keep his spirit alive, as he wouldn't want it any different. God bless each of you in your time of sorrow.

With sincere respect and love,
Brenda Layne (Ray and Florine Layne's daughter)

Posted by: Brenda Layne at October 16, 2009 02:49 PM

Dear Family,
We were saddened to hear about Mr. Galloway's death. We know that he was a real asset to his Ruritan Club, community, and Ruritan National. We hope that you will find comfort in knowing others share in your loss. We will keep each of you in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.
Yours in Ruritan friendship,
Martha and John L. Hancock
2004 Ruritan National President

Posted by: Martha and John Hancock, 2004 Ruritan National President at October 15, 2009 10:32 PM

I was so sorry to hear about Mr Galloway. No matter how much you try to prepare yourself for such a loss you are never ready. Your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything I am only a phone call away.

Posted by: Teresa Bracey at October 15, 2009 05:17 PM

To Mary Ann, Chris, Ann and Billy and family,
My heart is saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He is now with the GREAT ones and in OUR FATHER'S home. The world was made better because Bill was. I remember the day we became neighbors and Bill never stopped the video camera. Many happy memories on East Pinecrest Rd. You each shall remain in my prayers and thoughts. Can you imagine the "catching up" Bill and Frank must be having? God Bless you, Betty Freudig

Posted by: Betty Freudig at October 15, 2009 03:54 PM

My heartfelt condolences to Mary Ann, Chris and all the family. Here's another poem that wordsmiths feelings I am at a loss to express better than this.

GOD SAW YOU GETTING TIRED

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "come to me."
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.

God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
- Author Unknown

Posted by: Marnie Barrett at October 15, 2009 01:05 PM

I share this Poem in remembrance of Mr G:

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other
That we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes
We enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me,
Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am
Out of sight? I am but waiting for you
For an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner .

All is well.

Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

Posted by: Marnie Barrett at October 15, 2009 12:46 PM

Dear Mrs. Galloway & Family;

Such a great loss! It seems at times like this is when you find out what people truly think of you and it is with great regret that I haven't told you all sooner. You all have always been kind to me and my appreciation will never be told to Mr. Galloway. I am telling you all now, I truly thank you for all you have been to me through the years. I hope you know that each of you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Take care of each other and God Bless you all!

Nancy C. Scott
Ivor, VA

Posted by: Nancy C. Scott at October 14, 2009 09:33 PM

Please accept our sincere sympathy at this most difficult time. Remember to lean on your friends, family, and most of all, our Savior Jesus Christ for strength and courage. As long as you hold onto all of your precious memories, Mr. Galloway will always be with you. He will never leave you. What a wonderful man! He leaves behind a wonderful family and legacy. We just know that he was so proud of each of you. Remember to take care of yourselves and each other.

With our love,
The Stallard's
Kenneth, Tracey,
& Kelly

Posted by: Kenneth, Tracey, and Kelly Stallard at October 14, 2009 09:01 PM

Our prayers go out to the entire Galloway family. I spent several years learning from all of you and especially from "Mr. G." He taught me a lot about life while I served others in the VA Diner. Everything from "playing our part" to "let's get this food out of the kitchen!", taught me great lessons...I love "Mr. G" and I love the rest of the Galloway family too!

Posted by: Cathy Morris and Family at October 14, 2009 06:50 PM

Mary Ann and family; Our thoughts are with you. I will miss visiting and chatting with Bill. My most vivid memory peg will be of Bill usually lounged out, laid back, watching TV "amid occasional snores" in his old cushy easy chair. Our tongue waggings made between the pauses of hammering, fetching, and toting were usually a mix local gossip, political banter and an occasional injection of firearm and shooting issues. The rememberance of all the peanuts you sent out through the years in time of sickness and loss of others is not lost on your friends and neighbors, Thank You!

You have the #s if you need anything. Elliotte/Sherry

Posted by: Elliotte/Sherry at October 14, 2009 05:00 PM