William Michael Galbraith's Obituary
William Michael Galbraith (Mike) was born October 25, 1953, to William Jackson and Dorothy Faye Galbraith, in El Dorado, Arkansas.
He died on December 16, 2023, from complications due to stomach cancer, which he courageously battled for just over one year.
After graduating from El Dorado High School in 1972, he was admitted into the University of Arkansas with a Razorback Band Scholarship where he played tuba. (Not many people know that he continued his musical career with both the South Arkansas and the NWA Symphony Orchestras). He graduated with a Bachelor in Science of Education, that helped him later on to land his dream job: teaching and coaching. Mike was instrumental in starting the volleyball program for girls at Fayetteville High School and he continued his career at Rogers High School. His love for all children, passion for education, patience and teaching skills – combined with his fun-loving nature – won the hearts of many generations of students from Fayetteville and Rogers.
He retired from Rogers Public Schools in 2019 after 25 years of teaching.
Prior to his teaching career, Mike was known for starting the “infamous” Whitewater Tavern pub in Little Rock and then expanding it to Fayetteville.
He also had a successful career as a builder.
In his younger years, Mike was quite an adventurer. He was part of a group that regularly travelled out west to the Canyonlands, the Grand Canyon, and other National Parks – hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling. He was a master river runner who made the trips even more exciting when he and his friend George Spencer learned how and built a wooden dory that cruised the rivers of Idaho and Arkansas.
No physical challenge was too big for him. His intellectual curiosity and love of a good prank always kept his family and friends on their toes.
In addition to always enjoying a good visit with all the extended family in El Dorado, Arkansas, in the later years he loved to spend summer vacations in Transylvania’s (RO) countryside exploring medieval citadels, castles, monasteries, and enjoying family time.
Mike was so loved by everyone that was lucky enough to know him!
He was preceded in death by his father William Jackson Galbraith. He is survived by his loving wife Georgeta Galbraith, mother Dorothy Faye Galbraith of El Dorado, Arkansas, his beloved son Micah, younger brother Tom and sister-in-law Penne, nephews Philip (Stephanie) and Britt (Michelle) of El Dorado, Arkansas, many cousins, aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, and a few good friends.
Many thanks to Tom Galbraith and family for their support, and Willard Walker Hospice staff for their outstanding care and compassion.
There will be a visitation at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville on Friday, December 22nd, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, with a memorial service beginning at 11:00AM.
Click this link to view additional details about William's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/william-galbraith
Make a donation in Mike’s honor to Debbie’s Dream Foundation at www.debbiesdream.org. - curing stomach cancer.
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