Winfred "John" B. Galloway

Winfred B. “John” Galloway, age 94, of Kannapolis, NC died peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 11, 2020.

John was born September 21, 1925 in Darlington, SC, a son of the late John Jefferson and Cora May Galloway.

John was one of many young men who served heroically in WWII, serving from December 24, 1944 to April 13, 1946. At the age of 19 years John entered action in the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Eve 1944, in Company A of the 290th Regiment 75th Division, where he served until January 23, 1944 when he was relieved of combat duty due to injury. Of the 180 original men in his Company, only 30 remained. During one of many incidents of bravery, John displayed courage and leadership during a routine scouting excursion when an artillery shell seriously injured the platoon leader. As the other men ran to safety, John refused to leave the platoon leader and organized the effort to construct a litter to transport him back to safety.

After recovery, John served the remainder of his time as a member of a Military Police unit in Germany. Along with the Purple Heart, John received the Bronze Star for bravery above the call of duty.

Upon returning home John married Elizabeth “Lib,” and they were happily married for 57 years. For most of his career John worked in the construction industry, eventually establishing W.B. Galloway Construction, building residential homes in Kannapolis and Concord. He was also a talented wood worker, a skill he learned from his father, and his children have treasured pieces handcrafted by John. A college sports fan, John especially enjoyed UNC Tarheel basketball. He loved playing cards with friends, an activity he continued to the end.

Above all else John was a wonderful and much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved and took care of his family until the end.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Goodman Galloway and his brother Johnny Lawton Galloway. He is survived by his daughters Johnna Ontko of the home, Patti Oswald and her husband Todd of Charlotte and Ginger Villarosa of Ridgecrest, California; five grandchildren including Christopher (Sandra), Joshua, Eli, Alexis and Hannah; and two great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Charlie.

A private graveside service will be held later in the week. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC 28081. Whitley’s Funeral Home is assisting the family www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

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