Visitation
Service
Roy Alexander McGalliard of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, July 14 th , 2023 of end stage heart disease. He turned 86 on his birthday this past May 4 th ,2023. Born in Caldwell County, NC he was the son of the late William Russell McGalliard and Kathleen Clarke McGalliard.
McGalliard served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 24th Special Forces, 1st Special Forces. He was a Green Beret in the United States Army. McGalliard had a long career as a teacher, first at the University of Guam then coming to Western Piedmont Community College in 1969. After retiring from WPCC McGalliard served as a PACE instructor for Central Texas College teaching on several Capital Ships of the United States Navy. McGalliard also had long tenure serving the State Employees of North Carolina as a member of SEANC. He was a certified parliamentarian for SEANC and many other organizations. He was very instrumental in making SEANC’s original Bylaws for the operations of the Association. In September 2010 McGalliard received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Beverly Perdue for his services to The State of North Carolina. McGalliard graduated from Lenoir High School, Lenoir-Rhyne College; B.A. degree, and The University of Hawaii; M.A. degree.
McGalliard is survived by his daughter, Barbara Ferrara (Bret), his son, Russell McGalliard (Tammy), five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his sister, Joyce Ervin (Louis), one niece and five nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Collier's United Methodist Church with the Father Logan Lovelace officiating.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship fund of Lenoir-Rhyne college, 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory NC 28601 or the Hospice Services Agency which served him: Medi-Home Health Agency 180 W Main Ave, Taylorsville NC 28681
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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roy was a younger cousin of mine, we grew up near each other, had many young life experiences playing around the land of our granddad willie j. and he is the last of the boys in his family. i will be ninety on the 25th of july, and have been blessed very much with good health. god bless his family which i have never met. bill mcgalliard
A character for sure, was instrumental in helping me become a decent public speaker. RIP.
My condolences to Russell and Barbara and all your family. I had the honor to grow up with Roy being one of our neighborhood fathers. Seems like it was yesterday. The years go by and we lose touch but the memories live forever and I will always have the fondest of memories of Roy Mac! Rest in Peace Roy I’ll miss you.
Russ, Barbara and Family, you are in our prayers and thoughts now and have been for a long time. May God give you comfort in the loss of your love one. We love you.
The best friend and mentor I could have ever had.
Roy was one of the best teachers I ever had at WPCC! He had a myriad of life experiences that added to his personal style of teaching! I thoroughly enjoyed his classes! A wonderful man. Prayers for his family!
Mr. McGalliard, one of the finest instructors for Western Piedmont Community College. I am very sorry for your loss and pray that you will be comforted.