John James Gallegly Jr.'s Obituary
John James Gallegly Jr., 77, passed away at his home in Springdale, AR on Thursday, November 21, 2024. He was born on August 1, 1947, in Raymondville, TX to John and Louise Gallegly.
After graduating from Robstown High School in Robstown, TX, John honorably served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished 30-year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. His telecommunications expertise, work ethics, and leadership were cornerstones of his professional success. After retiring, he found a second calling as a lobbyist spending many legislative sessions at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock advocating for companies and causes in the state.
John’s love for sports was unmatched and he could often be found watching the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Kansas Jayhawks, or the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a knack for encyclopedic knowledge of sporting events and could often recall key stats, players’ names, and plays from years prior with uncanny precision. Sports were a way for John to connect and build cherished memories.
He is survived by his loving wife Sandy Gallegly of Springdale, AR; daughter Lauren Gallegly Enix (Mack) of Fayetteville; daughter in law Ashley McGowan Gallegly (Jason) of Little Rock, AR, mother Louise Richardson Gallegly of Jonesboro, AR; and siblings Bob Gallegly (Karen) of Durham, NC, Mike Gallegly (Wendy) of Randolph, NJ, and Susan Wallis of Jonesboro, AR. He was affectionately referred to as “Papa John” by his three grandchildren, Connor and Sloane Gallegly of Little Rock, AR and Oliver Enix of Fayetteville, AR. He is preceded in death by his father, John Gallegly Sr., and son, Jason Gallegly.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Spay Arkansas or the Springdale Animal Shelter.
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