John W. Galloway, Sr.

John Wilbur Galloway, Sr. passed away on July 21, 2025, just shy of his 86th birthday at The Gramman House in Beeville surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born on July 29, 1939, to Charles Thomas and Mary Jane Galloway, John was a lifelong resident of Beeville. His roots run deep in Bee County with his Galloway ancestors having settled in Skidmore in 1882 after their journey to America from Scotland. John’s grandfather founded the Galloway Mortuary in 1919, and since 1974, John managed Galloway & Sons Funeral Home with dedication and compassion.

John was a dedicated public servant and cherished member of the Beeville community. He devoted his life to improving the lives of those around him. From an early age, John was deeply involved in community affairs, starting with his times at A.C. Jones High School. John drove ambulances for many years which often resulted in him having to abruptly end his dates with Elizabeth for an ambulance run.

His tenure as mayor of Beeville ran from 1970 to 1980, and in 1972 he developed the Western Week organization serving as its president for three years. Western Week was very successful and its proceeds funded the building of the Bee County Coliseum and adjacent buildings. During John’s time as mayor, infrastructure improvements including paved streets, sewage lines, construction of The Boys and Girls Club building, the Fire Station, and City Hall were accomplished. Additionally, his leadership in initiatives such as the construction of the Water Treatment Plant, securing a second water source by drilling four wells on the Chase Field property, finishing the airport and the 200-acre park continue to benefit the citizens of Beeville even today. John believed that a community cannot grow without good water, sewer treatment facilities, great schools, well-equipped police and fire departments, and good streets.

John’s commitment to helping others extended to his involvement in various organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, Bee County Red Cross, the Boys Scouts of America, Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank of Beeville, Bee Development Authority, Beeville Economic Development Corporation, The Knights of Columbus, St. Peregrine Cancer Support Group, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and the Beeville Rotary Club. He was also a founding member of the Men’s Old-Fashion BBQ. He was appointed by Governors Perry and Abbott to serve on the Nueces River Authority.

John also supported the youth of Bee and Live Oak Counties. He coached Little League for many years and positively influenced the lives of many of his players. Coach really enjoyed loading his team into the station wagon and taking them to an Astros game where he gave each player enough money for a hot dog and soda. He also enjoyed seeing them as adults, reminiscing and appreciated hearing what impact he had on their lives. He established Bids for Kids to raise funds to purchase FFA and 4-H exhibitors’ projects. He also awarded champion belt buckles at the Bee County Junior Livestock Show and the Live Oak County Fair for more than 50 years. Many exhibitors have proudly worn a belt buckle awarded by Mr. Galloway.

In addition to supporting the youth of Live Oak and Bee Counties, John also valued and appreciated first responders and started an Appreciation Dinner for them to honor the commitment of first responders on 9/11. His commitment to the citizens of Bee County and Live Oak County showcased his belief that a thriving community relies on careful stewardship and support for its citizens.

Known as Mr. Galloway or John in the community, he was Dad, Danda, and Johnny at home, and while leaving an incredible legacy of service and dedication to his community, he leaves a huge void to all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his generosity, dedication, commitment, kindness, sense of humor, and hard work, as well as his love for his Houston Astros.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Thomas and Mary Jane Galloway; his brother, Charles Thomas “Tommy” Galloway; and many cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Ann; his sons, John Wilbur (Wil) Galloway, Jr. (Terri) and Charles Andrew (Andy) Galloway (Nicole); his daughter, Mary Beth Atzenhoffer (Steve); his grandchildren, JW Galloway, III, Maggie Galloway, Hanna Galloway-Hillestad (Matt), Chase Galloway, Jake Galloway, Julia Mobley (Donald) and Jane Hunt; and his great-grandchildren, Franklin and George Mobley. He is also survived by his cousins, Jeanie Darling and Jimmy Galloway, and several nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church in George West.

The Galloway family will greet the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville. Public visitation will take place from 2 to 6 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beeville.

Burial will follow at Beeville Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be JW Galloway, Chase Galloway, Jake Galloway, Matt Hillestad, Donald Mobley, JJ Robinson, Todd Staples, Jim Kurtz, Justin Cuellar and Bill Quinn.

Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Galloway, Tommy Palmer, Johnny Bond, Jody Sullivan, Josh Gonzales, Beeville Volunteer Fire Department, Bee County Sheriff’s Department, Beeville Police Department, Live Oak County Sheriff’s Department, George West Police Department, Three Rivers Police Department, St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus, George West Fire Department, Three Rivers Fire Department, Angel Care Ambulance and Bee County Patriot Guard.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Norma Arrisola, Josh Gonzales, Delia Soto, Nancy Butler, Norman Gonzalez, Angel Care Ambulance, The Gramman House, and Exclusive Home Health and Hospice for the special care and love they showed our dad.