Willliam “Bill” Galloway
California Highway Patrol- Correctional Officer
William “ Bill “ Galloway , lived a wonderful adventurous life of 63 years. In the early morning of October 6th, 2009 the Lord Peacefully called him home. Bill was born the youngest of 3 kids to Eldon Kenneth Galloway and Wilma Look on November 14th, 1945 in Exeter Ca. His older sister Carol Chowning and brother Mike Devlin both reside in Oregon now. He lived in Exeter until his family moved to Visalia in 1955. Bill graduated from Mount Whitney High School in 1964 and shortly after graduation joined the Army.
He served in the Vietnam war and returned to serve stateside until 1968 when he was honorably discharged. After returning to California he was hired by the California Highway Patrol in Barstow California. He worked as a CHP officer for 13 years until he moved to Florida and then to Missouri to work in corrections at Crossroads Correctional Facility until 2001.
Bill retired and returned to California to be near his three children, Robert Kent, Angela Galloway-Low and Christina Galloway-Watson in 2001. He moved to Tulare and quickly became very active in the lives of his grandchildren and kids. He was our babysitter, friend, “life coach” and Grandpa to all of his grandchildren and neighborhood kids. He was always the life of the party, you never knew what might come out of his mouth at any given time but he had the biggest heart and was always willing to help others out sacrificially. When Bill walked into a room, he had presence. With his 6’5 frame and good looks, you couldn’t help but smile.
Bill moved back to his hometown of Exeter in 2003 when he met Laura Hamilton through Match.com. (most don’t know that) What made this so special to him was that his favorite movie was “You’ve Got Mail” and for him to meet Laurie on match was what he deemed fate. Laurie and Bill were married in April of 2009.
Bill loved the movies, There probably are not very many movies he hadn’t seen, He frequently would get his grandkids out of school early to watch a movie (or two). He loved holidays, time spent with friends and family, country music, fly fishing, back rubs and his dogs. He rarely missed his grandkids sporting events, musicals or school awards. Though he did not regularly attend a traditional church, he lived his life in such a way that you knew he loved the way Jesus calls us to. His life was a life of sacrifice and service to others. He was always looking for ways to help others whether it be with a project or helping someone find love. (he was a great match maker)
Daddy, you have given us more joy than any father could expect to give. You have given us a legacy of a man who loved without limits. We will carry on your legacy and keep it alive through all things you held dear. You will be missed desperately by us all.
He is survived by his Children Angie Galloway-Low of Visalia, Christina Watson of Tulare and Robert Kent of Kingsburg. His grandchildren Kelsey Low, Christian Low, Jenna Low, Ashly Watson, Amanda Watson, Jacob Watson, Taylor Kent and Christopher Kent. His Brother Mike Devlin and Sister Carol Chowning of Oregon and he wife Laura Hamilton of Exeter.
